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TITLE: Intents and Purposes
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my love of 80's cartoon music.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is all about Haruka.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Three
Two minutes and thirty seven seconds was how long it took for Haruka Armitage to pass her sponsorship exam. When she was done and her ten opponents lay defeated on the ground, she faced the panel of officers from the Aries military and asked where were the others.
The reaction to her performance was a subdued one but she could recognize the look of satisfaction in the eyes of her parents colleagues and she knew she had tested well indeed. There wasn't any time to for her to celebrate or rest on her laurels. Now that the Aries military had decided to sponsor her application to Garderobe they were going to do everything in their power to make sure she gained entrance and since there was no feasible method of bribing your way into the Otome academy Haruka would have to earn it just like she earned her sponsorship. She would have to work day and night training for the entrance exam. Attending school was out of the question, something long forgotten and dismissed in the face of the magnitude of trying to get into Garderobe.
Otome were in limited numbers. There were only so many Meister gems available and the Council had long since decided there should only be a certain amount of Meister Otome in the world. Too many people with those powers, even under a Master's control, was not a good thing. That being so, there were only seventy five places at Garderobe and each year only a limited number of girls could get in, just enough to replace the few who would graduate to become Meisters, had been kicked out, or resigned from the academy.
This year they had a mere seven spots available and there would be well over a hundred applicants. In order for Haruka to get into Garderobe and serve Aries as an Otome she would have to defeat all of those other girls who wanted the same thing she did. The only way of making this happen was to be better than them, to train harder, to be smarter, stronger, and more dedicated to her task.
Her room at the Caeles military base was a small one. The only furnishings a small cot, a simple desk, and chair. She had stayed in countless places like this before with her parents whenever they were on assignment in some dreary part of their country and Haruka didn't mind it. Her surroundings hardly mattered much, she wasn't there to spend time in her room, she was there to train to become an Otome, to get into Garderobe, and by the time she came home from that training she was so exhausted it was all she could do to change out of her clothes before she collapsed onto the bed to sleep.
When she was awake, studying mentally instead of physically, going through the laws that governed the Otome with her tutor, Haruka's mind would wander to Yukino. How was she doing, was she happy, sad, did she miss her? Haruka had only gotten to say a brief goodbye and they'd allowed her a few short phone calls here and there but the closer the entrance exam for Garderobe approached the less free time she had. Haruka wondered if perhaps this wasn't a good sort of preparation for the Otome academy itself though. Certainly she wouldn't get a lot of chance to see Yukino while she was there, even if the brunette was right next door at Windbloom University.
Just as she predicted, Haruka found being apart from Yukino, not seeing her every day and being able to speak with her was the thing that was hardest. It was funny, all of the little things she found herself wanting to share with the other girl, to hear her reaction to them and gain her opinion, but most of all she missed hearing Yukino's voice, seeing her smile, and feeling her gentle touch.
A week before the exam, Haruka was in her tiny room, resting from her latest training session and trying to ignore the pain in her legs and arms when she heard a knock. Frowning because it was her instructors habit to simply announce themselves and enter the room, Haruka slowly scooted off the bed. Opening the door, she was immediately pushed back as she was embraced in a sudden hug. Breathing in the familiar clean scent and recognizing the haphazard brown hair, Haruka smiled softly and muttered, "Yukino."
"Second Lieutenant," one of her instructors murmured, shutting the door to leave the girls in privacy.
"You're a Lieutenant?" Yukino's voice was muffled but Haruka could still hear the surprise.
"They make everyone who passes the sponsorship exam a Lieutenant," Haruka explained. "You have to be part of the Aries military to become an Otome for our country. Even if I don't make it into Garderobe I'll be under contract for at least ten years."
"You'll make it," said Yukino strongly, pulling away from Haruka and smiling as the blonde rested their foreheads together and looked into Yukino's eyes. "I know you will. You've been training so hard, all this time."
"How did you get in here? My parents are barely able to visit and they're in the army," said Haruka, genuinely perplexed.
"My father is a Senator, remember?" Yukino said in teasing but gentle tones, allowing herself to be pulled over to the bed. She sat down on the small cot, smiling when Haruka went about her usual routine of lying her head in the brunette's lap. Sifting her fingers though Haruka's hair, enjoying the soft texture, Yukino murmured, "I wanted to see you before you took the exam. To wish you good luck, not that I think you'll actually need it. I can't imagine anyone who is more suited to being an Otome and you've been training for so long, I doubt any of the other girls going to take the exam have been working towards it since they were five."
Releasing a snort of skepticism, Haruka remarked, "Maybe the brats in Artai. They don't give them much choice."
"Yes, well, that's why we broke away from them two hundred and thirteen years ago," said Yukino fondly, pushing Haruka's bangs back from her forehead and rubbing the golden hairs between her fingers. "Our Founders wanted to form a country where the people choose its leaders and have a say in the decisions they make. I don't know about the situation in Artai but you and the other candidates from Aries decided to take the exam of your own free will and I think that will make you stronger than the rest."
"I'm going to get in," Haruka said firmly, her tones filled with determination, opening her violet eyes to look up into Yukino's green ones. "I'm going to keep the promise we made to each other, Yukino." She paused and looking off to one side of the tiny room, at the plain white walls, Haruka debated on whether or not to say the rest of it. Part of her wanted to keep silent just because it was so very embarrassing and she didn’t talk about things like this, emotions, and how she felt. It wasn't who she was but she knew Yukino would want to hear it, that hearing it would make Yukino happy, and that was something Haruka always wanted to do. To make Yukino happy. "The more I studied and found out what it means to be an Otome, how I can't have my own right to choose, how everything has to be decided by my Master, the more scared I got because what if they aren't a good person? Then I remembered our promise," Haruka turned her gaze back to Yukino who was studying her with misty eyes and frowning slightly at the sight of possible tears, the blonde reached up to cup her cheek. "And I'm not scared because it's Yukino and I can trust you, I do trust you, more than anyone in the world. That's why I want to be your Otome."
"Haruka-chan," whispered Yukino, the name catching in her throat, and she dropped her head down, closing her eyes and sighing contentedly as she felt Haruka's fingertips caress her skin. "I trust you too. So very much."
"We'll make everybody realize Aries the best country in all of Earl," declared Haruka, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Maybe enough that they'll all want to form their own democracies. We could start a political revelation!"
"Revolution," Yukino corrected affectionately, chuckling and touching Haruka's cheek when the blonde scowled. "I'd like that."
"I want to protect you always," said Haruka, soft and serious. "I know you'll do what's best for Aries and I want to protect you because of that, because of who you are. There's only one Yukino and she should be kept safe."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name again in just a hush, she was sure her face was bright red, her skin had never felt this hot but it was worth it to hear Haruka say those words, to see that earnest look in her eyes that told Yukino everything the blonde said was the truth. It was at times like these, when Haruka was being so guileless and sweet, Yukino thought her heart would burst with how much love she felt for the younger girl. "I want the same thing."
"What? To keep me safe?" asked Haruka doubtfully, her face scrunching up in a look of utter confusion.
"Yes," said Yukino warmly. "Or is a Master not allowed to want that for their Otome?"
Shifting her head in Yukino's lap, Haruka's brow furrowed in concentration and she muttered, "It's not against the rules but it's strange for sure, a Master saying that kind of thing. Though Yukino doesn't like to do things the normal way, does she? Gets boring."
"It does," Yukino concurred, giving a laugh. "And nothing great is ever accomplished by not taking chances."
Haruka released a soft grunt of agreement and they remained in silence until there was a knock at the door and the blonde recognized the voice of her one of her instructors saying it was time for Yukino to go. Reluctantly they both rose to their feet and started to walk to the door but Yukino paused before they got there, turning to face Haruka as she pulled out a small folded piece of cloth from her pocket.
"You know the history of my family," Yukino said this more as a statement than a question. There wasn't a citizen in Aries who didn't know the Chrysants and their legacy as the descendants of one of their nation's democratic founders, Anzai Chrysant, who had helped organize the great rebellion which freed them from Artai's cruel grip on their country. Haruka nevertheless nodded and Yukino smiled softly, pressing the cloth into Haruka's hands as she murmured, "That belonged to Anzai and we've kept in our family, giving it to each other when we thought the person needed it the most, to keep it over their heart to remind ourselves of how brave he was to start this country, and hope that his bravery would help us maintain our own. I wanted to give it to you, Haruka-chan. I want you to have it while you're at Garderobe and whenever things become hard, just look at it, and I hope it will help you to keep going and to have strength."
Unfolding the piece of cloth, Haruka saw it was a small hand sewn version of the Aries flag, and she couldn't help the sudden swell of emotion she felt on seeing it, knowing this belonged to one of their country's founders and Yukino was giving it to her to keep. It was such a rare and important thing and her friend wanted her to have it? Lifting her head, Haruka's voice was rough with emotion, "Yukino…"
"You'll pass," said Yukino, quiet and confident, holding Haruka's face tenderly in her hands. "And we'll keep our promise."
Nodding her head and giving a noise of affirmation, Haruka hugged Yukino to her in a fierce but loving embrace, and the brunette clung to Haruka, enjoying the warmth of the younger girl's body. Then they slowly separated, giving each other final smiles as Yukino left the base with one of Haruka's instructors and she was left alone in her tiny room to stare at the flag, the precious piece of history her friend had given her, and with it in her grasp she knew there was nothing that could stop her from achieving her goal.
---
The journey from Aries to Windbloom was a relatively short one by train. Haruka sat in the tiny train compartment with one of her instructors and three of the twenty girls that had managed to pass the sponsorship exam with her. No one spoke during the seven hour trip and it was a tense silence perpetuated by the fact all present could think of only one thing. The importance of the exam for which they were heading and how they had to pass, not just for themselves, but for their country. Aries was the only country with a democratic political system and because of that and their roots in rebellion from Artai they often found themselves under attack by those who would wish to bring them back to the old ways of having a ruling monarchy. Having a greater number of Otome would strengthen Aries military position in the world and help to ease these attacks but they could only accomplish this if they had more qualified Garderobe graduates.
Currently out of seventy five students at the Otome academy just nine were from Aries and out of those nine only one was a Pearl and she wasn't ranked anywhere near the top of her class which left little reassurance she could be chosen for a Meister GEM. This simply wasn't an acceptable situation, this had been made clear to the Otome candidates by their tutors time and time again in training. Aries needed to have strong Otome, powerful Otome, to help solidify its place in Earl and to ensure they remained a free and democratic nation. It was up to them to help make that happen by passing the entrance exam and working hard to place high in the ranks once they were accepted.
Her jaw clenching in determination, Haruka placed her hand over her heart, feeling the outline of the small flag folded into her pocket and turning her gaze to look out the window at the passing landscape. There was much more riding on her success than just fulfilling her promise to Yukino, her tutors had made that abundantly clear to Haruka. She was starting to realize the real power of an Otome, that they had the ability to change the fate of an entire nation with their strength and she wanted to do that for Aries.
Like all its citizens, Haruka was fiercely proud of her country's democratic status. Aries was the only nation that allowed the people to elect its leaders, to choose which laws were enacted, and everyone felt like they had a stake in the future of their country. She would pass this exam and get into Garderobe and she would do it not only for Yukino but for Aries and she would be a strong Otome, a brave Otome, someone who would help to lift her country up and protect it from its enemies. She swore this on the small flag that she kept folded over her heart, a piece of their nation's history Yukino had given her, which reminded her why she was taking this exam and why it was so important.
---
Eighty two was the point where Haruka decided to stop counting the amount of girls sitting in the large hall. There had to be over a hundred girls from countries all over Earl seeking entrance into Garderobe but only seven would be accepted. Haruka wasn't a particular fan of math and statistics but even she knew chances were slim she would be one of those seven but she didn't like to think about odds. Defeat wasn't something that she would allow to slip into her mind because once you considered that possibility the more it lurked with you, causing it to become that much closer to reality. Instead she would focus on her goal and how to go about achieving it with a singular determination.
A cough echoed throughout the hall and the Principal of Garderobe, Iruma Vandeveld, stood before them. The speech she gave was inspiring but had an underlining strictness to it, a hard sort of warning about what it meant to gain entrance into this school, and to become an Otome. Gazing at the older woman, Haruka wondered if she was always this way or if maybe her attitude had changed when she was chosen to replace Una Shamrock as the Principal, shifting her position from 4th Column to 2nd. The jobs were incredibly different and Haruka would have resented it, going from field operations to behind a stuffy desk, shuffling paperwork. Especially when the reason for the job change was because the former Principal had unjustly ordered the attack on a long lost member of the Windbloom royal family.
The speech soon ended and they were shuffled out of the auditorium and Haruka had to grit her teeth as she was pushed along with the crowd. She had lived many places all over Aries but she preferred the empty ones, the ones without the hectic rush of people crushed into every last bit of space. There was something about having too many people around her that was infuriating. She couldn't react though, she had to remember her place and it would hardly look good for Aries to have one of their candidates scream out in frustration before they official exam had even begun so Haruka gritted her teeth and clenched her jaw, muttering in quiet relief once they were outside in the open air.
Stepping away from the crowd of candidates, Haruka noticed another girl doing the same thing. She was slightly taller than Haruka with light brown hair and she had a placid expression on her features, as if she was totally untouched and unconcerned about the events taking place. Haruka scowled on seeing this. This was an important exam, it determined all of their futures and the future of their respective countries, a person should feel something when they're about to take it. Her jaw tightening, Haruka was sure that someone like that, someone who didn't seem to care couldn't possibly make it into Garderobe, not with such an obvious lack of conviction.
They were small broken up into smaller groups of thirty and Haruka found herself in the same numbers as the brunette girl who wore that same bored look as they trailed after the stern instructor who had introduced herself as Miss Maria. Before they could begin the official exam they had to be tested to see if their bodies were physically compatible with the nanomachines that all Otomes had injected into their bloodstream. Not every girl could handle having the technology implanted and there were instances of extreme illness and even near death in some cases. Since nanomachines were vital in helping the Otome heal quickly and improved their speed, strength, reflexes, and other senses it was absolutely necessary all those who would enter Garderobe could physically handle having them injected.
Sitting on the stiff examination table, Haruka waited for her shot, watching with narrowed eyes as some girls fainted and others quickly became ill. The brunette who didn't make any expressions, her eyes grew lidded after receiving the shot but her face was as blank as ever and somehow, as if sensing Haruka's attention, she turned towards the other girl and offered a smile. Haruka found herself scowling instead of smiling back though because it wasn't a natural kind of smile, one that came from the heart and a real true place, like the kind that Yukino would give her, instead it was false, calculated in its polite charm and Haruka had little care for those types of things.
Quick and painless, that was how the actual injection felt, but her body seemed to burn from within after it was over. Another nurse came to her side, asking her how she felt and Haruka muttered she was fine, because she didn't want to reveal weakness, she didn't want to be sent home. She wasn't feeling ill though, nauseas or as if she was going to pass out, she simply felt hot, like there was a fire raging in her bloodstream and it was such a very strange feeling. Not altogether pleasant but not painful either, just terribly strange. Looking over at the brunette who was once again looking at peace with the world, Haruka wondered if she felt the same way and if she did how she did she manage not to show it, how she was able to keep that feeling behind such a calm outward mask. Part of Haruka was envious that she had such an ability even though she didn't think that sort of habit was a good thing to have, people who hid things could lie too well, too easily, and liars weren't to be trusted. Haruka preferred those who were open and honest, who said what they meant and didn't mince words.
Yukino was honest but somehow she was also so terribly kind.
By the time they were shuffled out of the medical wing, thirty candidates had been eliminated. Haruka gazed over their dwindling numbers, frowning when she realized that two of the girls had been from Aries. They were placed in a large lecture hall, two girls to every desk, where thick books lay on the table, one for each girl, and a pencil. Miss Maria stood at the front of the hall, her stern voice echoing off the walls as she told them they had an hour to complete chapters one through ten starting right now.
The history of the Otome was the first portion and Haruka grinned, knowing this subject inside and out thanks to Yukino. After they read through The Heart Of An Otome together the older girl managed to locate some other Otome educational texts for Haruka, two of which focused on the origins of the Otome and where their powers came from. Enthused by her recollection of that time spent with Yukino, remembering the comforting wash of her voice falling over her as she read aloud, Haruka flew through the section, confident in her knowledge as she answered the questions. When she reached the last question she was sure she finished first until she saw that girl, the one with the calm face and the perturbing smile that never changed, sitting perfectly still with her hands folded in her lap.
At the end of the hour, Miss Maria collected the exam books, handing them over to another instructor and ushering them out of the lecture hall into the bright sun of the afternoon. They trailed after her in a large group and Haruka lingered towards the back, her gaze drifting over the grounds and in the distance she could see a group of Coral students in the middle of a lesson. Watching as they flew through the air in the midst of combat, their staffs moving at a lightning quick pace, Haruka's eyes gleamed with excitement. That was what she wanted to do, who she wanted to be, and all she had to do to achieve it was to pass this exam.
Moving through the grounds, walking down a large sloping hill, they came to a stop at the bottom, looking at an immense obstacle course constructed of heavy wood and cement that was the length of half a field. Miss Maria stood before them, saying the object was to make it through the course as quickly as possible without being hit by any of the wooden planks which swung heavily from side to side or falling to the ground, and Haruka wondered how much it would hurt if you were hit with one of them. It was revealed they had duel courses, both built to the same specifications and as Miss Maria called out the order in which they would run the course, Haruka fixed her eyes forward, trying to determine the best way she could make it through. The only rule was to make it through unscathed, not getting hit with the heavy wooden planks that swung from side to side, not to fall on the ground as you leapt from the platforms, but that would be hard with the quick pace they moved back and forth and the gaps in the floor on which you had to run. You not only would have to dodge the planks but leap to the next safe platform, something that would take a great deal of speed and agility. Things that Haruka didn't have a lot of as she tended to rely far more on her physical strength.
She was number fifteen in her group and across from her she noticed the brunette with the unwavering smile shared her number. Her eyes narrowing at this, Haruka wondered how she would make it through the course. These thoughts were instantly diverted by a loud cry of pain and Haruka watched as the first girl in their group was hit with a large plank, sending her flying across the grounds to land face first with a loud thump. Medics quickly rushed to her side, treating her injuries, and Haruka turned her attention back to the obstacle course, watching the next girl who carefully made her way through although she nearly fell backwards and onto the ground as she avoided the wooden plank that swung just inches away from her face.
By the time Haruka had to run the course, only six girls had made it to the end. Miss Maria's instructions running through her mind, Haruka's jaw set in determination and she released a rallying cry as she leapt onto the first platform and grabbed hold of the swinging plank. Holding it in a firm grip, wincing at the sharp feeling of splinters digging into the palms of her hands, Haruka ripped the plank down, stopping its motion entirely, and holding it in front of her like a shield Haruka barreled forward, smashing through the obstacles, breaking some and sending others flying, jumping from platform to platform, a wild grin on her features as she realized not one of the planks had hit her. When she reached the end of the course, Haruka dropped the large plank that she held, which hit the ground and reverberated with a crash and couldn't help but feel a triumphant joy when she saw the look of utter astonishment on Miss Maria's face.
"You pass," Miss Maria said, her voice was still stern but the shock she felt from Haruka's was performance completely clear. "Though now we only have one obstacle course available for the rest of the candidates to use."
"Sorry," Haruka said the word but she didn't really feel sorry at all, not when she made it through the obstacle course in such a spectacular fashion that she was sure caught the eye of the Otome instructors.
Turning her attention to the other course, Haruka saw that the brown haired girl with that steady smile and calm face looked the same as she ever did, leaping from platform to platform, easily dodging the heavy wooden planks. When she reached the end of the course, the instructor called out her time and Haruka frowned as she realized it was several seconds faster than her own. Watching as the girl leapt to the ground with an effortless grace, Haruka considered what this meant, that the girl's performance which had beaten her own time, and a slow smile worked its way across her features as she realized something very significant.
Finally there was someone who presented her a real challenge.
---
The second day of the exam focused on a day long triathlon. Starting with a swim across half the bay of Windbloom, Haruka shivered in the cool water and simply focused on completing the task. This part of the exam was about endurance and concentration, between each physical test they were confronted with a mental one, the exam books placed in front of them with a minimum of ten chapters to complete in an hour, they had to shift their focus from their bodies to their minds and Haruka saw the difficulty in that.
One by one, after each task, more and more girls began dropping out. By the time they reached the final event of the triathlon, completing a run around Wind City and back to Garderobe, at least forty girls had retired their candidacies. Haruka looked around at their dwindling numbers and saw that just three of the other candidates from Aries remained. Her jaw set in a deep frown, she upped her pace in the run, ignoring the horrible pain in her legs and wiping the sweat from her eyes. She would finish this task, she would finish, and she would do it with an admirable time, something that would make her tutors proud, that would guarantee her entrance into Garderobe.
Haruka kept running until she was at the front of the pack and glancing to her side she saw the brown haired girl. Her face frozen in that calm facade and she scowled, wondering why the girl couldn't even manage to look tired at a time like this. Tucking her chin down, Haruka let loose a cry of determination and she increased her pace, moving past the other girl, the only one she considered to offer any sort of challenge in this competition to enter the Otome academy and rushing onto the grounds of Garderobe. When she reached Miss Maria who was waiting with that continuously stern expression, Haruka collapsed to the ground, groaning when she was presented with the thick exam book and told she had precisely one hour to finish yet another ten chapters.
Tired, she was so very tired, all she wanted to do was close her eyes and sleep but she had to finish this exam, she had to complete these chapters. That was what this portion was focused on, the stamina of the candidates, the willpower, how they could keep their wits about them when they had no energy left and Haruka willed herself awake, slapping the sides of her face several times. A soft and melodic chuckle met her ears and she looked to her left and saw the brown haired girl smiling at her, those rusty brown eyes holding a sparkle of amusement and Haruka puffed her cheeks out in a scowl. She was making fun of her, she was sure of it! Well, the girl could make fun all she wanted but it wouldn’t change a thing, Haruka vowed, she would pass this exam.
That thought a fixed goal, Haruka focused on the questions in front of her, reading them carefully and following Yukino's advice, reading the words aloud in her mind and she found herself becoming more focused. Soon the answers were coming to her easily and she pushed back the exhaustion until it was a distant memory, finishing the last chapter with a flourish, handing it over to Miss Maria who took the book and said well done. Haruka, somehow knowing this wasn't something the older woman said often, flashed a bright smile before succumbing to sleep the moment that she was back at her desk, unaware of the brown haired girl giving another amused chuckle at her expense as she took in the sight of Haruka snoring in her sleep.
---
Hand to hand fighting was always something that Haruka excelled at. Weapons were fun but for some reason Haruka felt more satisfaction in her own body serving as the weapon, her fists, her legs, and when she found out the final portion of the exam involved a test of their combat skills sans weapons she couldn't have been happier.
Twenty three candidates remained and only seven could be chosen to enter Garderobe. Haruka and just one other girl from Aries remained and she couldn't help but scowl on knowing this. More of them should have passed, more of them should have been ready, what if she was the only one from Aries to get in? They would to wait another year to send a new group of candidates and Haruka feared they wouldn't have any better luck with the results. Miss Maria called out their names one by one and for the first time, Haruka finally took notice of the brown haired girl's name, the one with that perpetual smile that spoke less of emotion and more of maintaining a mask.
She was Shizuru Viola and she was going to be Haruka's opponent.
Jumping in place, Haruka waited for Miss Maria to call the start of the match. Shizuru stood in place, her rust colored eyes narrowed ever so slightly and that smile of hers, the one with no emotion, tugged at the corners of her lips as she observed the blonde. Seeing this, Haruka couldn't help but scowl in return. If the other girl thought she was funny, that she was a joke, she would show her otherwise and the moment that Miss Maria shouted for the match to begin Haruka ran at Shizuru as she gave a loud rallying cry. Shizuru deftly dodged the attack and Haruka went stumbling onto the ground, only to recover with a quick roll, and she saw Shizuru's leg moving towards her in a kick, a wild grin formed on her features as she grabbed the brunette's leg, sending her falling onto her back.
Moments after Shizuru fell, she pulled Haruka down with her and the match descended into something resembling wrestling until Shizuru managed to escape Haruka's grasp. From that point on it was a flurry of punch and kicks, each landing an equal amount but soon it seemed Shizuru had found a pattern in Haruka's attacks and was handily avoiding her every attempted blow. In the meantime, Haruka, never one for speed or agility, was being landed with blow after blow, which was putting her into a highly agitated state.
Dimly she recalled hearing Miss Maria shout out the time they had left remaining in the match and Haruka scowled deeply as Shizuru landed another blow. Releasing a yell of pure annoyance, Haruka grabbed hold of Shizuru's shoulders and brought her head down hard against the other girl's and she distantly heard the shouts of surprise from the other candidates but still, despite the pain she felt and the stars she saw, Haruka couldn't help but grin at the fact that now Shizuru was on the ground and she was still standing. Although, just seconds later, she joined Shizuru where she lay, slipping into unconsciousness after falling to the ground with a tremendous thud.
---
Horrible bright lights gleaming in her eyes, that was what Haruka woke to. Groaning quietly, she rolled over on her side and saw the girl, Shizuru Viola, was on the bed next to hers. Looking around, she realized they were back in the medical bay. Flopping back onto the small cot, she put her arm over her eyes and tried to block out the pounding sensation in her head.
"I will pass," Haruka muttered the words aloud, somehow thinking if she said it that would help to make it come true.
"Ara," a playful voice echoed in the air, though it had a twinge of exhaustion lacing it as well. "You sound so confident."
Moving her arm just slightly, Haruka turned her head and scowled as she saw Shizuru Viola staring back at her. "You're awake," Haruka grunted, unable to help feeling disappointed at this fact. She had hoped her head butt had done more damage to her opponent than herself which wasn't really the case if they both regained consciousness at the same time.
"And now you sound sad," Shizuru remarked lightly and her rusty eyes seemed to twinkle.
"I was hoping I knocked you out," revealed Haruka, stretching her arms over her head and cracking her knuckles.
"If it is any consolation, I believe you did, for quite some time," said Shizuru, watching as Haruka continued to stretch.
"Knocked myself out too," Haruka snorted. "Doesn't count as much. It's not a real win."
Slowly moving into a sitting position, Shizuru tilted her head and considered Haruka. "Winning is what matters?" she questioned.
"Are you crazy?" asked Haruka, looking at Shizuru as if she thought that might be a real possibility. "Of course it's what matters. Whoever wins the most in these tasks has the most chance of getting into Garderobe. That's what we're all here for."
"Haruka-san is correct," murmured Shizuru and she smiled winsomely when Haruka startled on hearing her name. "Miss Maria announced your name as well as my own for the combat match. I took notice. Just like I took notice when you smashed your way through the obstacle course and crashed your bicycle during the triathlon."
"So? " Haruka blustered, not knowing how else to respond, having the definite feeling the other girl was teasing her.
"Nothing," said Shizuru with a laugh, looking behind Haruka and the blonde turned to see Miss Maria approaching with the dreaded exam books in hand. "But I must say, Haruka-san is charming when she's angry. Even if she feels the need to head butt me to display such feeling."
A scowl permanently in place on her features, Haruka focused on Miss Maria and had to hold back a groan when she was told they had to finish the last ten chapters of the exam book. Taking the exam book and following after the Otome instructor, distinctly aware of Shizuru's presence behind her, Haruka repeated the same mantra from when she woke. I will pass.
---
Growing up, her parents had always been brutally honest with Haruka. They let her know her faults and her strong points, feeling if she knew them she could correct and she could maintain these things. Because of this Haruka was altogether aware that she wasn't at all perceptive, she knew that things most people would notice tended to fly right over her head and unless you were among a few special and select people Haruka wouldn't be able to read your reactions and emotions. She could tell what her parents thought and Yukino, especially Yukino whom she had watched and been with for so long and was always so very interested in knowing every little thing about, but when it was anyone else, Haruka was left without a clue.
Despite this clear handicap, Haruka was able to discern fairly quickly what it meant when she was one of seven girls being called into the Principal of Garderobe's office. It was the best moment of her life so far, the proudest, standing in that line and while she was irritated to have Shizuru standing next to her, even that couldn't take away the happiness she felt to know she had been accepted to the Otome academy. The Principal gave a speech, not long and droning, but enough that Haruka couldn't keep track of it until she announced what ranking they would have in the Coral class.
There were always fifty girls in the Coral class and they would be at the bottom as the newest trainees but at the top of was Shizuru Viola who entered Garderobe with the rank of Coral No. 43 and Haruka couldn't help but scowl when she heard she was just one rank behind at Coral No. 44 but that scowl, it wouldn't last for long, not when she thought about Yukino's face when she told her she passed. Seeing her smile, hearing her happy voice, that took away any bit of annoyance she felt not to be placed at the top ranking for the new students.
Not that it mattered anyway. Haruka was sure she would quickly surpass Shizuru once they started actual classes in a month. After all, this was what she had trained almost her entire life for and she had to keep her promise that was sealed with the small flag neatly folded over heart. Kept close to remind her who and what she was fighting for which was forever a source of strength.
To be continued...
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my love of 80's cartoon music.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is all about Haruka.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Three
Two minutes and thirty seven seconds was how long it took for Haruka Armitage to pass her sponsorship exam. When she was done and her ten opponents lay defeated on the ground, she faced the panel of officers from the Aries military and asked where were the others.
The reaction to her performance was a subdued one but she could recognize the look of satisfaction in the eyes of her parents colleagues and she knew she had tested well indeed. There wasn't any time to for her to celebrate or rest on her laurels. Now that the Aries military had decided to sponsor her application to Garderobe they were going to do everything in their power to make sure she gained entrance and since there was no feasible method of bribing your way into the Otome academy Haruka would have to earn it just like she earned her sponsorship. She would have to work day and night training for the entrance exam. Attending school was out of the question, something long forgotten and dismissed in the face of the magnitude of trying to get into Garderobe.
Otome were in limited numbers. There were only so many Meister gems available and the Council had long since decided there should only be a certain amount of Meister Otome in the world. Too many people with those powers, even under a Master's control, was not a good thing. That being so, there were only seventy five places at Garderobe and each year only a limited number of girls could get in, just enough to replace the few who would graduate to become Meisters, had been kicked out, or resigned from the academy.
This year they had a mere seven spots available and there would be well over a hundred applicants. In order for Haruka to get into Garderobe and serve Aries as an Otome she would have to defeat all of those other girls who wanted the same thing she did. The only way of making this happen was to be better than them, to train harder, to be smarter, stronger, and more dedicated to her task.
Her room at the Caeles military base was a small one. The only furnishings a small cot, a simple desk, and chair. She had stayed in countless places like this before with her parents whenever they were on assignment in some dreary part of their country and Haruka didn't mind it. Her surroundings hardly mattered much, she wasn't there to spend time in her room, she was there to train to become an Otome, to get into Garderobe, and by the time she came home from that training she was so exhausted it was all she could do to change out of her clothes before she collapsed onto the bed to sleep.
When she was awake, studying mentally instead of physically, going through the laws that governed the Otome with her tutor, Haruka's mind would wander to Yukino. How was she doing, was she happy, sad, did she miss her? Haruka had only gotten to say a brief goodbye and they'd allowed her a few short phone calls here and there but the closer the entrance exam for Garderobe approached the less free time she had. Haruka wondered if perhaps this wasn't a good sort of preparation for the Otome academy itself though. Certainly she wouldn't get a lot of chance to see Yukino while she was there, even if the brunette was right next door at Windbloom University.
Just as she predicted, Haruka found being apart from Yukino, not seeing her every day and being able to speak with her was the thing that was hardest. It was funny, all of the little things she found herself wanting to share with the other girl, to hear her reaction to them and gain her opinion, but most of all she missed hearing Yukino's voice, seeing her smile, and feeling her gentle touch.
A week before the exam, Haruka was in her tiny room, resting from her latest training session and trying to ignore the pain in her legs and arms when she heard a knock. Frowning because it was her instructors habit to simply announce themselves and enter the room, Haruka slowly scooted off the bed. Opening the door, she was immediately pushed back as she was embraced in a sudden hug. Breathing in the familiar clean scent and recognizing the haphazard brown hair, Haruka smiled softly and muttered, "Yukino."
"Second Lieutenant," one of her instructors murmured, shutting the door to leave the girls in privacy.
"You're a Lieutenant?" Yukino's voice was muffled but Haruka could still hear the surprise.
"They make everyone who passes the sponsorship exam a Lieutenant," Haruka explained. "You have to be part of the Aries military to become an Otome for our country. Even if I don't make it into Garderobe I'll be under contract for at least ten years."
"You'll make it," said Yukino strongly, pulling away from Haruka and smiling as the blonde rested their foreheads together and looked into Yukino's eyes. "I know you will. You've been training so hard, all this time."
"How did you get in here? My parents are barely able to visit and they're in the army," said Haruka, genuinely perplexed.
"My father is a Senator, remember?" Yukino said in teasing but gentle tones, allowing herself to be pulled over to the bed. She sat down on the small cot, smiling when Haruka went about her usual routine of lying her head in the brunette's lap. Sifting her fingers though Haruka's hair, enjoying the soft texture, Yukino murmured, "I wanted to see you before you took the exam. To wish you good luck, not that I think you'll actually need it. I can't imagine anyone who is more suited to being an Otome and you've been training for so long, I doubt any of the other girls going to take the exam have been working towards it since they were five."
Releasing a snort of skepticism, Haruka remarked, "Maybe the brats in Artai. They don't give them much choice."
"Yes, well, that's why we broke away from them two hundred and thirteen years ago," said Yukino fondly, pushing Haruka's bangs back from her forehead and rubbing the golden hairs between her fingers. "Our Founders wanted to form a country where the people choose its leaders and have a say in the decisions they make. I don't know about the situation in Artai but you and the other candidates from Aries decided to take the exam of your own free will and I think that will make you stronger than the rest."
"I'm going to get in," Haruka said firmly, her tones filled with determination, opening her violet eyes to look up into Yukino's green ones. "I'm going to keep the promise we made to each other, Yukino." She paused and looking off to one side of the tiny room, at the plain white walls, Haruka debated on whether or not to say the rest of it. Part of her wanted to keep silent just because it was so very embarrassing and she didn’t talk about things like this, emotions, and how she felt. It wasn't who she was but she knew Yukino would want to hear it, that hearing it would make Yukino happy, and that was something Haruka always wanted to do. To make Yukino happy. "The more I studied and found out what it means to be an Otome, how I can't have my own right to choose, how everything has to be decided by my Master, the more scared I got because what if they aren't a good person? Then I remembered our promise," Haruka turned her gaze back to Yukino who was studying her with misty eyes and frowning slightly at the sight of possible tears, the blonde reached up to cup her cheek. "And I'm not scared because it's Yukino and I can trust you, I do trust you, more than anyone in the world. That's why I want to be your Otome."
"Haruka-chan," whispered Yukino, the name catching in her throat, and she dropped her head down, closing her eyes and sighing contentedly as she felt Haruka's fingertips caress her skin. "I trust you too. So very much."
"We'll make everybody realize Aries the best country in all of Earl," declared Haruka, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Maybe enough that they'll all want to form their own democracies. We could start a political revelation!"
"Revolution," Yukino corrected affectionately, chuckling and touching Haruka's cheek when the blonde scowled. "I'd like that."
"I want to protect you always," said Haruka, soft and serious. "I know you'll do what's best for Aries and I want to protect you because of that, because of who you are. There's only one Yukino and she should be kept safe."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name again in just a hush, she was sure her face was bright red, her skin had never felt this hot but it was worth it to hear Haruka say those words, to see that earnest look in her eyes that told Yukino everything the blonde said was the truth. It was at times like these, when Haruka was being so guileless and sweet, Yukino thought her heart would burst with how much love she felt for the younger girl. "I want the same thing."
"What? To keep me safe?" asked Haruka doubtfully, her face scrunching up in a look of utter confusion.
"Yes," said Yukino warmly. "Or is a Master not allowed to want that for their Otome?"
Shifting her head in Yukino's lap, Haruka's brow furrowed in concentration and she muttered, "It's not against the rules but it's strange for sure, a Master saying that kind of thing. Though Yukino doesn't like to do things the normal way, does she? Gets boring."
"It does," Yukino concurred, giving a laugh. "And nothing great is ever accomplished by not taking chances."
Haruka released a soft grunt of agreement and they remained in silence until there was a knock at the door and the blonde recognized the voice of her one of her instructors saying it was time for Yukino to go. Reluctantly they both rose to their feet and started to walk to the door but Yukino paused before they got there, turning to face Haruka as she pulled out a small folded piece of cloth from her pocket.
"You know the history of my family," Yukino said this more as a statement than a question. There wasn't a citizen in Aries who didn't know the Chrysants and their legacy as the descendants of one of their nation's democratic founders, Anzai Chrysant, who had helped organize the great rebellion which freed them from Artai's cruel grip on their country. Haruka nevertheless nodded and Yukino smiled softly, pressing the cloth into Haruka's hands as she murmured, "That belonged to Anzai and we've kept in our family, giving it to each other when we thought the person needed it the most, to keep it over their heart to remind ourselves of how brave he was to start this country, and hope that his bravery would help us maintain our own. I wanted to give it to you, Haruka-chan. I want you to have it while you're at Garderobe and whenever things become hard, just look at it, and I hope it will help you to keep going and to have strength."
Unfolding the piece of cloth, Haruka saw it was a small hand sewn version of the Aries flag, and she couldn't help the sudden swell of emotion she felt on seeing it, knowing this belonged to one of their country's founders and Yukino was giving it to her to keep. It was such a rare and important thing and her friend wanted her to have it? Lifting her head, Haruka's voice was rough with emotion, "Yukino…"
"You'll pass," said Yukino, quiet and confident, holding Haruka's face tenderly in her hands. "And we'll keep our promise."
Nodding her head and giving a noise of affirmation, Haruka hugged Yukino to her in a fierce but loving embrace, and the brunette clung to Haruka, enjoying the warmth of the younger girl's body. Then they slowly separated, giving each other final smiles as Yukino left the base with one of Haruka's instructors and she was left alone in her tiny room to stare at the flag, the precious piece of history her friend had given her, and with it in her grasp she knew there was nothing that could stop her from achieving her goal.
---
The journey from Aries to Windbloom was a relatively short one by train. Haruka sat in the tiny train compartment with one of her instructors and three of the twenty girls that had managed to pass the sponsorship exam with her. No one spoke during the seven hour trip and it was a tense silence perpetuated by the fact all present could think of only one thing. The importance of the exam for which they were heading and how they had to pass, not just for themselves, but for their country. Aries was the only country with a democratic political system and because of that and their roots in rebellion from Artai they often found themselves under attack by those who would wish to bring them back to the old ways of having a ruling monarchy. Having a greater number of Otome would strengthen Aries military position in the world and help to ease these attacks but they could only accomplish this if they had more qualified Garderobe graduates.
Currently out of seventy five students at the Otome academy just nine were from Aries and out of those nine only one was a Pearl and she wasn't ranked anywhere near the top of her class which left little reassurance she could be chosen for a Meister GEM. This simply wasn't an acceptable situation, this had been made clear to the Otome candidates by their tutors time and time again in training. Aries needed to have strong Otome, powerful Otome, to help solidify its place in Earl and to ensure they remained a free and democratic nation. It was up to them to help make that happen by passing the entrance exam and working hard to place high in the ranks once they were accepted.
Her jaw clenching in determination, Haruka placed her hand over her heart, feeling the outline of the small flag folded into her pocket and turning her gaze to look out the window at the passing landscape. There was much more riding on her success than just fulfilling her promise to Yukino, her tutors had made that abundantly clear to Haruka. She was starting to realize the real power of an Otome, that they had the ability to change the fate of an entire nation with their strength and she wanted to do that for Aries.
Like all its citizens, Haruka was fiercely proud of her country's democratic status. Aries was the only nation that allowed the people to elect its leaders, to choose which laws were enacted, and everyone felt like they had a stake in the future of their country. She would pass this exam and get into Garderobe and she would do it not only for Yukino but for Aries and she would be a strong Otome, a brave Otome, someone who would help to lift her country up and protect it from its enemies. She swore this on the small flag that she kept folded over her heart, a piece of their nation's history Yukino had given her, which reminded her why she was taking this exam and why it was so important.
---
Eighty two was the point where Haruka decided to stop counting the amount of girls sitting in the large hall. There had to be over a hundred girls from countries all over Earl seeking entrance into Garderobe but only seven would be accepted. Haruka wasn't a particular fan of math and statistics but even she knew chances were slim she would be one of those seven but she didn't like to think about odds. Defeat wasn't something that she would allow to slip into her mind because once you considered that possibility the more it lurked with you, causing it to become that much closer to reality. Instead she would focus on her goal and how to go about achieving it with a singular determination.
A cough echoed throughout the hall and the Principal of Garderobe, Iruma Vandeveld, stood before them. The speech she gave was inspiring but had an underlining strictness to it, a hard sort of warning about what it meant to gain entrance into this school, and to become an Otome. Gazing at the older woman, Haruka wondered if she was always this way or if maybe her attitude had changed when she was chosen to replace Una Shamrock as the Principal, shifting her position from 4th Column to 2nd. The jobs were incredibly different and Haruka would have resented it, going from field operations to behind a stuffy desk, shuffling paperwork. Especially when the reason for the job change was because the former Principal had unjustly ordered the attack on a long lost member of the Windbloom royal family.
The speech soon ended and they were shuffled out of the auditorium and Haruka had to grit her teeth as she was pushed along with the crowd. She had lived many places all over Aries but she preferred the empty ones, the ones without the hectic rush of people crushed into every last bit of space. There was something about having too many people around her that was infuriating. She couldn't react though, she had to remember her place and it would hardly look good for Aries to have one of their candidates scream out in frustration before they official exam had even begun so Haruka gritted her teeth and clenched her jaw, muttering in quiet relief once they were outside in the open air.
Stepping away from the crowd of candidates, Haruka noticed another girl doing the same thing. She was slightly taller than Haruka with light brown hair and she had a placid expression on her features, as if she was totally untouched and unconcerned about the events taking place. Haruka scowled on seeing this. This was an important exam, it determined all of their futures and the future of their respective countries, a person should feel something when they're about to take it. Her jaw tightening, Haruka was sure that someone like that, someone who didn't seem to care couldn't possibly make it into Garderobe, not with such an obvious lack of conviction.
They were small broken up into smaller groups of thirty and Haruka found herself in the same numbers as the brunette girl who wore that same bored look as they trailed after the stern instructor who had introduced herself as Miss Maria. Before they could begin the official exam they had to be tested to see if their bodies were physically compatible with the nanomachines that all Otomes had injected into their bloodstream. Not every girl could handle having the technology implanted and there were instances of extreme illness and even near death in some cases. Since nanomachines were vital in helping the Otome heal quickly and improved their speed, strength, reflexes, and other senses it was absolutely necessary all those who would enter Garderobe could physically handle having them injected.
Sitting on the stiff examination table, Haruka waited for her shot, watching with narrowed eyes as some girls fainted and others quickly became ill. The brunette who didn't make any expressions, her eyes grew lidded after receiving the shot but her face was as blank as ever and somehow, as if sensing Haruka's attention, she turned towards the other girl and offered a smile. Haruka found herself scowling instead of smiling back though because it wasn't a natural kind of smile, one that came from the heart and a real true place, like the kind that Yukino would give her, instead it was false, calculated in its polite charm and Haruka had little care for those types of things.
Quick and painless, that was how the actual injection felt, but her body seemed to burn from within after it was over. Another nurse came to her side, asking her how she felt and Haruka muttered she was fine, because she didn't want to reveal weakness, she didn't want to be sent home. She wasn't feeling ill though, nauseas or as if she was going to pass out, she simply felt hot, like there was a fire raging in her bloodstream and it was such a very strange feeling. Not altogether pleasant but not painful either, just terribly strange. Looking over at the brunette who was once again looking at peace with the world, Haruka wondered if she felt the same way and if she did how she did she manage not to show it, how she was able to keep that feeling behind such a calm outward mask. Part of Haruka was envious that she had such an ability even though she didn't think that sort of habit was a good thing to have, people who hid things could lie too well, too easily, and liars weren't to be trusted. Haruka preferred those who were open and honest, who said what they meant and didn't mince words.
Yukino was honest but somehow she was also so terribly kind.
By the time they were shuffled out of the medical wing, thirty candidates had been eliminated. Haruka gazed over their dwindling numbers, frowning when she realized that two of the girls had been from Aries. They were placed in a large lecture hall, two girls to every desk, where thick books lay on the table, one for each girl, and a pencil. Miss Maria stood at the front of the hall, her stern voice echoing off the walls as she told them they had an hour to complete chapters one through ten starting right now.
The history of the Otome was the first portion and Haruka grinned, knowing this subject inside and out thanks to Yukino. After they read through The Heart Of An Otome together the older girl managed to locate some other Otome educational texts for Haruka, two of which focused on the origins of the Otome and where their powers came from. Enthused by her recollection of that time spent with Yukino, remembering the comforting wash of her voice falling over her as she read aloud, Haruka flew through the section, confident in her knowledge as she answered the questions. When she reached the last question she was sure she finished first until she saw that girl, the one with the calm face and the perturbing smile that never changed, sitting perfectly still with her hands folded in her lap.
At the end of the hour, Miss Maria collected the exam books, handing them over to another instructor and ushering them out of the lecture hall into the bright sun of the afternoon. They trailed after her in a large group and Haruka lingered towards the back, her gaze drifting over the grounds and in the distance she could see a group of Coral students in the middle of a lesson. Watching as they flew through the air in the midst of combat, their staffs moving at a lightning quick pace, Haruka's eyes gleamed with excitement. That was what she wanted to do, who she wanted to be, and all she had to do to achieve it was to pass this exam.
Moving through the grounds, walking down a large sloping hill, they came to a stop at the bottom, looking at an immense obstacle course constructed of heavy wood and cement that was the length of half a field. Miss Maria stood before them, saying the object was to make it through the course as quickly as possible without being hit by any of the wooden planks which swung heavily from side to side or falling to the ground, and Haruka wondered how much it would hurt if you were hit with one of them. It was revealed they had duel courses, both built to the same specifications and as Miss Maria called out the order in which they would run the course, Haruka fixed her eyes forward, trying to determine the best way she could make it through. The only rule was to make it through unscathed, not getting hit with the heavy wooden planks that swung from side to side, not to fall on the ground as you leapt from the platforms, but that would be hard with the quick pace they moved back and forth and the gaps in the floor on which you had to run. You not only would have to dodge the planks but leap to the next safe platform, something that would take a great deal of speed and agility. Things that Haruka didn't have a lot of as she tended to rely far more on her physical strength.
She was number fifteen in her group and across from her she noticed the brunette with the unwavering smile shared her number. Her eyes narrowing at this, Haruka wondered how she would make it through the course. These thoughts were instantly diverted by a loud cry of pain and Haruka watched as the first girl in their group was hit with a large plank, sending her flying across the grounds to land face first with a loud thump. Medics quickly rushed to her side, treating her injuries, and Haruka turned her attention back to the obstacle course, watching the next girl who carefully made her way through although she nearly fell backwards and onto the ground as she avoided the wooden plank that swung just inches away from her face.
By the time Haruka had to run the course, only six girls had made it to the end. Miss Maria's instructions running through her mind, Haruka's jaw set in determination and she released a rallying cry as she leapt onto the first platform and grabbed hold of the swinging plank. Holding it in a firm grip, wincing at the sharp feeling of splinters digging into the palms of her hands, Haruka ripped the plank down, stopping its motion entirely, and holding it in front of her like a shield Haruka barreled forward, smashing through the obstacles, breaking some and sending others flying, jumping from platform to platform, a wild grin on her features as she realized not one of the planks had hit her. When she reached the end of the course, Haruka dropped the large plank that she held, which hit the ground and reverberated with a crash and couldn't help but feel a triumphant joy when she saw the look of utter astonishment on Miss Maria's face.
"You pass," Miss Maria said, her voice was still stern but the shock she felt from Haruka's was performance completely clear. "Though now we only have one obstacle course available for the rest of the candidates to use."
"Sorry," Haruka said the word but she didn't really feel sorry at all, not when she made it through the obstacle course in such a spectacular fashion that she was sure caught the eye of the Otome instructors.
Turning her attention to the other course, Haruka saw that the brown haired girl with that steady smile and calm face looked the same as she ever did, leaping from platform to platform, easily dodging the heavy wooden planks. When she reached the end of the course, the instructor called out her time and Haruka frowned as she realized it was several seconds faster than her own. Watching as the girl leapt to the ground with an effortless grace, Haruka considered what this meant, that the girl's performance which had beaten her own time, and a slow smile worked its way across her features as she realized something very significant.
Finally there was someone who presented her a real challenge.
---
The second day of the exam focused on a day long triathlon. Starting with a swim across half the bay of Windbloom, Haruka shivered in the cool water and simply focused on completing the task. This part of the exam was about endurance and concentration, between each physical test they were confronted with a mental one, the exam books placed in front of them with a minimum of ten chapters to complete in an hour, they had to shift their focus from their bodies to their minds and Haruka saw the difficulty in that.
One by one, after each task, more and more girls began dropping out. By the time they reached the final event of the triathlon, completing a run around Wind City and back to Garderobe, at least forty girls had retired their candidacies. Haruka looked around at their dwindling numbers and saw that just three of the other candidates from Aries remained. Her jaw set in a deep frown, she upped her pace in the run, ignoring the horrible pain in her legs and wiping the sweat from her eyes. She would finish this task, she would finish, and she would do it with an admirable time, something that would make her tutors proud, that would guarantee her entrance into Garderobe.
Haruka kept running until she was at the front of the pack and glancing to her side she saw the brown haired girl. Her face frozen in that calm facade and she scowled, wondering why the girl couldn't even manage to look tired at a time like this. Tucking her chin down, Haruka let loose a cry of determination and she increased her pace, moving past the other girl, the only one she considered to offer any sort of challenge in this competition to enter the Otome academy and rushing onto the grounds of Garderobe. When she reached Miss Maria who was waiting with that continuously stern expression, Haruka collapsed to the ground, groaning when she was presented with the thick exam book and told she had precisely one hour to finish yet another ten chapters.
Tired, she was so very tired, all she wanted to do was close her eyes and sleep but she had to finish this exam, she had to complete these chapters. That was what this portion was focused on, the stamina of the candidates, the willpower, how they could keep their wits about them when they had no energy left and Haruka willed herself awake, slapping the sides of her face several times. A soft and melodic chuckle met her ears and she looked to her left and saw the brown haired girl smiling at her, those rusty brown eyes holding a sparkle of amusement and Haruka puffed her cheeks out in a scowl. She was making fun of her, she was sure of it! Well, the girl could make fun all she wanted but it wouldn’t change a thing, Haruka vowed, she would pass this exam.
That thought a fixed goal, Haruka focused on the questions in front of her, reading them carefully and following Yukino's advice, reading the words aloud in her mind and she found herself becoming more focused. Soon the answers were coming to her easily and she pushed back the exhaustion until it was a distant memory, finishing the last chapter with a flourish, handing it over to Miss Maria who took the book and said well done. Haruka, somehow knowing this wasn't something the older woman said often, flashed a bright smile before succumbing to sleep the moment that she was back at her desk, unaware of the brown haired girl giving another amused chuckle at her expense as she took in the sight of Haruka snoring in her sleep.
---
Hand to hand fighting was always something that Haruka excelled at. Weapons were fun but for some reason Haruka felt more satisfaction in her own body serving as the weapon, her fists, her legs, and when she found out the final portion of the exam involved a test of their combat skills sans weapons she couldn't have been happier.
Twenty three candidates remained and only seven could be chosen to enter Garderobe. Haruka and just one other girl from Aries remained and she couldn't help but scowl on knowing this. More of them should have passed, more of them should have been ready, what if she was the only one from Aries to get in? They would to wait another year to send a new group of candidates and Haruka feared they wouldn't have any better luck with the results. Miss Maria called out their names one by one and for the first time, Haruka finally took notice of the brown haired girl's name, the one with that perpetual smile that spoke less of emotion and more of maintaining a mask.
She was Shizuru Viola and she was going to be Haruka's opponent.
Jumping in place, Haruka waited for Miss Maria to call the start of the match. Shizuru stood in place, her rust colored eyes narrowed ever so slightly and that smile of hers, the one with no emotion, tugged at the corners of her lips as she observed the blonde. Seeing this, Haruka couldn't help but scowl in return. If the other girl thought she was funny, that she was a joke, she would show her otherwise and the moment that Miss Maria shouted for the match to begin Haruka ran at Shizuru as she gave a loud rallying cry. Shizuru deftly dodged the attack and Haruka went stumbling onto the ground, only to recover with a quick roll, and she saw Shizuru's leg moving towards her in a kick, a wild grin formed on her features as she grabbed the brunette's leg, sending her falling onto her back.
Moments after Shizuru fell, she pulled Haruka down with her and the match descended into something resembling wrestling until Shizuru managed to escape Haruka's grasp. From that point on it was a flurry of punch and kicks, each landing an equal amount but soon it seemed Shizuru had found a pattern in Haruka's attacks and was handily avoiding her every attempted blow. In the meantime, Haruka, never one for speed or agility, was being landed with blow after blow, which was putting her into a highly agitated state.
Dimly she recalled hearing Miss Maria shout out the time they had left remaining in the match and Haruka scowled deeply as Shizuru landed another blow. Releasing a yell of pure annoyance, Haruka grabbed hold of Shizuru's shoulders and brought her head down hard against the other girl's and she distantly heard the shouts of surprise from the other candidates but still, despite the pain she felt and the stars she saw, Haruka couldn't help but grin at the fact that now Shizuru was on the ground and she was still standing. Although, just seconds later, she joined Shizuru where she lay, slipping into unconsciousness after falling to the ground with a tremendous thud.
---
Horrible bright lights gleaming in her eyes, that was what Haruka woke to. Groaning quietly, she rolled over on her side and saw the girl, Shizuru Viola, was on the bed next to hers. Looking around, she realized they were back in the medical bay. Flopping back onto the small cot, she put her arm over her eyes and tried to block out the pounding sensation in her head.
"I will pass," Haruka muttered the words aloud, somehow thinking if she said it that would help to make it come true.
"Ara," a playful voice echoed in the air, though it had a twinge of exhaustion lacing it as well. "You sound so confident."
Moving her arm just slightly, Haruka turned her head and scowled as she saw Shizuru Viola staring back at her. "You're awake," Haruka grunted, unable to help feeling disappointed at this fact. She had hoped her head butt had done more damage to her opponent than herself which wasn't really the case if they both regained consciousness at the same time.
"And now you sound sad," Shizuru remarked lightly and her rusty eyes seemed to twinkle.
"I was hoping I knocked you out," revealed Haruka, stretching her arms over her head and cracking her knuckles.
"If it is any consolation, I believe you did, for quite some time," said Shizuru, watching as Haruka continued to stretch.
"Knocked myself out too," Haruka snorted. "Doesn't count as much. It's not a real win."
Slowly moving into a sitting position, Shizuru tilted her head and considered Haruka. "Winning is what matters?" she questioned.
"Are you crazy?" asked Haruka, looking at Shizuru as if she thought that might be a real possibility. "Of course it's what matters. Whoever wins the most in these tasks has the most chance of getting into Garderobe. That's what we're all here for."
"Haruka-san is correct," murmured Shizuru and she smiled winsomely when Haruka startled on hearing her name. "Miss Maria announced your name as well as my own for the combat match. I took notice. Just like I took notice when you smashed your way through the obstacle course and crashed your bicycle during the triathlon."
"So? " Haruka blustered, not knowing how else to respond, having the definite feeling the other girl was teasing her.
"Nothing," said Shizuru with a laugh, looking behind Haruka and the blonde turned to see Miss Maria approaching with the dreaded exam books in hand. "But I must say, Haruka-san is charming when she's angry. Even if she feels the need to head butt me to display such feeling."
A scowl permanently in place on her features, Haruka focused on Miss Maria and had to hold back a groan when she was told they had to finish the last ten chapters of the exam book. Taking the exam book and following after the Otome instructor, distinctly aware of Shizuru's presence behind her, Haruka repeated the same mantra from when she woke. I will pass.
---
Growing up, her parents had always been brutally honest with Haruka. They let her know her faults and her strong points, feeling if she knew them she could correct and she could maintain these things. Because of this Haruka was altogether aware that she wasn't at all perceptive, she knew that things most people would notice tended to fly right over her head and unless you were among a few special and select people Haruka wouldn't be able to read your reactions and emotions. She could tell what her parents thought and Yukino, especially Yukino whom she had watched and been with for so long and was always so very interested in knowing every little thing about, but when it was anyone else, Haruka was left without a clue.
Despite this clear handicap, Haruka was able to discern fairly quickly what it meant when she was one of seven girls being called into the Principal of Garderobe's office. It was the best moment of her life so far, the proudest, standing in that line and while she was irritated to have Shizuru standing next to her, even that couldn't take away the happiness she felt to know she had been accepted to the Otome academy. The Principal gave a speech, not long and droning, but enough that Haruka couldn't keep track of it until she announced what ranking they would have in the Coral class.
There were always fifty girls in the Coral class and they would be at the bottom as the newest trainees but at the top of was Shizuru Viola who entered Garderobe with the rank of Coral No. 43 and Haruka couldn't help but scowl when she heard she was just one rank behind at Coral No. 44 but that scowl, it wouldn't last for long, not when she thought about Yukino's face when she told her she passed. Seeing her smile, hearing her happy voice, that took away any bit of annoyance she felt not to be placed at the top ranking for the new students.
Not that it mattered anyway. Haruka was sure she would quickly surpass Shizuru once they started actual classes in a month. After all, this was what she had trained almost her entire life for and she had to keep her promise that was sealed with the small flag neatly folded over heart. Kept close to remind her who and what she was fighting for which was forever a source of strength.
To be continued...
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Oh, I liked this chapter! She and Shizuru are just NOT gonna get along, are they?
I see you saw Sifr, too. What'd ya think?
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Sifr was unremarkable. I kind of didn't see the point of it. The fighting was good but it was too much stuff in too little time.
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