Chapter 1 - Where It All Began

"Wait."

It was Monday. Down the rows of gingko trees was a fork in the road, and it was here that she was called upon from behind to wait. A single word, spoken more as command than a request froze Matsudaira Touko in her tracks for a moment as she turned from clasping her hands before the statue of Maria-sama, her twin banana curls swaying gently. In a single fluid, yet unhurried motion she turned to face the person that had spoken to her. Upon seeing it was her cousin, Ogasawara Sachiko, rather than smiling her brow creased in puzzlement. "Did you mean me Sachiko-sama?" she inquired though there was no one else around them at the moment.

"Yes I meant you Touko-chan," was the crisp reply as the Rosa Chinensis turned toward the statue, and placed her bag under one arm, before she clasped her hands in prayer. The early morning breeze gently played with her long hair as if an invisible hand brushed it ever so softly. After a respectful amount of time Sachiko moved her bag from beneath her arm to one hand and then turned back to face Touko. "Will you walk with me to the Rose Mansion? I have some matters I would like to discuss with you." Inwardly she smiled to herself realizing that Touko-chan had addressed her as Sachiko-sama rather than her customary Sachiko Onee-sama the younger girl had been using.

Though it had only been two days since Touko had accepted Yumi's rosary there were already noticeable changes in her younger cousin's demeanor. Sachiko felt certain as well as relieved that she could leave the younger girl in Yumi's capable care. There had been many doubts if the two girls that were both precious to her, though for different reasons, would ever become Sœurs or not. Sachiko had once told Touko that she didn't care whom Yumi picked as her little sister yet the raven-haired beauty couldn't have been happier when Touko finally wore the same rosary that she herself had placed around Yumi's neck.

"Yes...of course," Touko replied falling into step with Sachiko while shooting her a covert glance. She had been hoping to catch her Onee-sama and spend some time with her before classes started however one did not say no to the Rosa Chinensis, even if they were related to them. The two walked for a ways without a word yet when Touko glanced at Sachiko the third year student seemed to be lost in thought. What could she possible want with me? she thought to herself. Finally, the petite brunette could take the silence no longer. "Sachiko-sama," she said in a questioning tone, "we'll be to the Rose Manson shortly." She prompted.

Sachiko stopped and gathered her thoughts once again, then turned to face Touko who clasped her school bag with both hands before her. "I'm sorry; I'm not a morning person so I'm not myself right now." Sachiko looked up so that she could directly look into Touko's eyes as she spoke to her, which was the proper thing to do. "Do you have plans for this weekend with Yumi?"

Touko blinked, gazing into the large sapphire eyes which watched her intently. Not certain what to make of the question, the younger girl paused for a short moment before she managed to reply hesitantly, "N...no. Not yet, Sachiko-sama." The petite brunette had every intention of asking her Onee-sama if they could go to the mall; however, she had not seen her as yet and so the request was as yet unasked. Hence, technically there were no plans. I've missed out on so much time with Onee-sama already, I want to spend as much as I can with her, she thought to herself. Touko blushed slightly and looked down shyly as she realized that it had been a fairly easy transition from calling the second year student 'Yumi-sama' to 'Onee-sama'. That fact, for some reason she was yet unsure of, made her feel warm inside.

Sachiko smiled one of her brilliant smiles. "I'm glad to hear that as I would like to borrow Yumi for the weekend. We are not that far from the end of the school year and I do not know when I'll have a chance to spend time with her in the near future." The third year student said in way of clarification. Seeing Touko's look of disappointment she softened her smile sympathetically. "You will have Yumi all to yourself next year after I graduate after all. I would like to spend some time with my Petite Sœur before we are distracted with finals and preparations for the graduation of the third year students."

"But Sachiko-sama, aren't you going to the Lillian University which is right next door?" Touko asked as if to imply that Sachiko would have plenty of time to see Yumi.

"Yes," replied Sachiko with a slight nod, "I will be attending there; however, with a full course load and given the different schedules Yumi and I shall have, not to mention that as the Rosa Chinensis she will be very busy as well, I doubt we will have much time to see each other," she concluded with a worried frown. "Which brings me to the next matter; I need to ask a favor of you Touko-chan." The current Rosa Chinensis switched subjects considering the other matter properly explained.

Touko's eyes grew larger in shock, "A...favor, Sachiko-sama?" What could she possibly need from me that she couldn't do on her own already? The younger girl wondered to herself. Touko was nervous but refused to show it. Having been raised in a similar environment as Sachiko, she knew it was very unladylike to fidget while speaking with someone. She would not embarrass her Onee-sama by misbehaving even if her stomach seemed to suddenly be filled with butterflies.

Sachiko looked away for a moment before returning her gaze once more to Touko. "I know you care for Yumi, as do I," at Touko's nod of agreement she continued. "I need you to watch over Yumi when I am gone. She tries to do everything herself and though I have tried to cure her of this, I fear without me there to watch over her she'll work herself too hard. We can't let her do that can we, Touko-chan?" Sachiko turned and began walking again leaving Touko to quickly fall into step next to her or be left behind. "While it is the Grande Sœur's responsibility to guide and shelter her Petite Sœur it is the Petite Sœur's duty to be there to support her Onee-sama." Sachiko stopped again and turned to look at Touko. "Do you understand Touko-chan?"

Touko nodded, her hair bouncing with the movement. "I believe I understand Sachiko-sama." She replied hesitantly. "My Onee-sama doesn't know when to ask for help and therefore over-works herself unless someone stops her." At seeing Sachiko's smile and nod of agreement she continued, "I'll make sure to keep an eye on her and if she is doing too much I will help her, even if I'm not asked to."

"Thank you Touko-chan, I knew I could depend on you." Sachiko turned and started walking once again towards the Rose Mansion which was in view now. "So I can borrow Yumi this weekend?" Sachiko asked with a smile.

"Of course Sachiko-sama," Touko stated with a serious face, "as long as you promise to give her back that is." She quickly added while the corners of her mouth twitching slightly trying to suppress a smile.

"Hmmm we shall see," was Sachiko's reply as they entered the front door of the Rose Mansion and made their way up the stairs.

Author Notes:

This is my first every FanFic piece. There is just something so captivating about the Marimite series. I appreciate any and all comments, reviews, and private messages. At this point I am not sure where this will lead to but I look forward to the adventure of getting there.

Update: A special thanks to notyouradvisor for their editing work on this chapter!

Kind Regards,

EJ Daniel

All characters within this story, unless otherwise stated are the sole property of Oyuki Konno the original writer of the Maria-sama ga Miteru light novel series.

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