Hello all,
This is my first-fic so be gentle, this had originally been two separate chapters but then my fic got deleted, so I decided to fix it up a bit.
Enjoy the ShizNao-ness. I've also got a few more fic ideas, with other parings as well, but will get around to it when I get stuck on this one…or get sick of writing it. I'm open to critisim so please tell me if you don't like anything and I'll try and work on it…
ABOUT THE STORY: It's Post-Hime, and all the Himes have lost the ability to call on their Childs', however they can still use their elements. Takes place one year after the Hime Festival. Story was previously called 'Apologize.' I've combined the first two chapters. Nao finds herself trapped in an alley and is rescued by someone she'd never expect to come to her aid. How will this ffect both their lives?
I do not own MaiHime. Now, on with the story!
Shit its late. She found herself turning into a dark alley. Sensible women did not usually walk out of well-lit streets and into dark alleys, especially at this godforsaken hour. However, Nao Yukki had never been very sensible and although she did not look it; she was hardly a woman either.
At fifteen years old, Nao had developed faster than most of her fellow female classmates in certain areas; and often used her more mature appearance to her advantage. She regularly wore provocative clothing to further accentuate her well-developed curves in order to gain attention; yet it was usually her glowing lime coloured eyes, or rose-tinted hair that everyone noticed upon first meeting her.
She spotted a flickering lamp-post several feet away.
Taking out a number of wallets from the backpack she was carrying, the girl stood under the lamp-post counting all the money she had collected from her "hunting" earlier that day.
Nao preferred to think of herself as a huntress; spotting her "prey", which would typically be an older gentleman looking to have a good time with younger girl such as herself. She would use her feminine wiles to ease them into trusting her and then use her Hime powers to paralyze them and take their money.
Thief was such a petty term…besides she was no ordinary thief; what she did could be called art.
"Serves them right anyway, they probably wouldn't care if I told them I was a freshman in high-school, hell they'd probably like me even more; perverts." It was Karma really, and who was she to prevent Karma from delivering what those men truly deserved.
She discarded all but one wallet into a nearby garbage can, putting all the money that she had counted into the remaining wallet and putting that in her bag.
"28,000 YEN (1), not bad for a day's work," she murmured out loud; grinning.
She had conned three men into following her into dark alleys such as the one she was standing in currently, and as soon as they decided to get a little too frisky she would call on her Hime element and allow her nails to grow, then dig them into her "prey," letting the poison flow through her nails and into their bloodstream; knocking them unconscious.
"Soon, I'll have 'nuff to help mom," she continued muttering to herself as her thoughts returned once again to the money she had collected. She began walking out from under the light. Even though the events of the carnival had concluded without anyone being harmed, Nao's mother was still in the hospital and her medical bills still needed to be paid.
Nao had taken two steps before she froze, a wave of panic beginning to go up her spine.
She was not alone.
Quickly looking around, she scanned the dark corners of the alley with her eyes. She had been too distracted with counting the money to notice that she had been followed. Although she could not see anything, her Hime senses told her that there was someone out there…or more than one person…
"Crap, crap, crap! I may or may not be surrounded. Fantastic…" she drew her nails out as she stood up straight hoping the fear she felt would not betray her voice. "Hey you, whoever you are," she shouted as she crouched into a battle stance, continuing to sound braver then she actually felt "Why don't you leave the stalking-thing to us professionals, since you so clearly suck at it."
A figure stepped out of the shadows.
It was a familiar looking old man holding a gun in his right hand, and pointing at her with his left. He looked past her and yelled, "That's the bitch who stole my wallet, boys!"
Ah, yes. Leave it to her to piss off a man who owned a gun.
"Stole is such a crude way of putting it…besides I think I deserve that money considering how long I had to put up with your B.O. before I knocked you out." was the reply she gave him as she licked her lengthy red nails.
"Careful boys, those nails are full of some type of poison," he said just as five figures came out of the darkness. They had her surrounded, each of them also armed with a gun.
Wow the old fart isn't as stupid as he looks… he brought a lot of backup she looked at the men apprehensively. They all wore matching black suits and black ties, just as the old man had on. Each carried the same pistol. "Aren't you a little too old to be in a gang grandpa?" she laughed as she tried to quickly asses if there was any way she could get of this unharmed.
Although her voice had not wavered, Nao was beginning to feel very afraid.
She was surrounded by 6 men, all of whom who were armed. She could not successfully attack all of them at the same time, and as soon as she went after some – it would give others the opportunity they needed to shoot her.
Sensing her hesitation to attack the old man lowered his gun and began to move slightly closer. With a sinister grin he indicated to his men to move closer as well, unfortunately they did not lower their guns like he had. "Now, why don't we finish what we started off earlier today, hmm?" he slurred.
The circle of men around her began to get smaller as they moved closer. Nao's heart began beating at an unbearably rapid rate; once again she tried to keep her voice from wavering as she spoke. "How about we call this whole thing off eh? You can have your money back as soon as you lemme go...we can work something out…"
This caused the old man to let out a cruel laugh, which was soon followed by all of the men laughing at her maliciously. "Oh I'll be getting my money back little girl," he said, putting his gun in the waist-band of his pants. He bent down and reached at something in a small case tied around his ankle. He removed a small jagged knife from its case and laughed as he barked "…We will also be taking some interest…"
Nao felt the two men behind her grab her wrists and put a gun to the back of her head. Another had clamped over her mouth before she could let out a scream. She bit down on the hand as hard she could, and tasted a steel flavoured liquid on the tip of her tongue. As he let go of her mouth Nao let out a deafening scream.
She soon felt a blow to the back of her head as the man she had bit into hit her with the back of his gun, causing her to fall face-forward onto the floor.
"Stupid bitch, I'm going to make you pay for that" yelled the dark figure that was now towering over her. Kicking her stomach, he forced her to turn on her back.
She let out a yelp and closed her eyes fearing the assault that would soon take place. She held her breath. She thought of her mother in the hospital; the only person who had truly loved her was lying bandaged on a hospital bed and in a coma. Would anyone notice if she were to die here in this dark alley?
She didn't think so.
And she only had herself to blame. It was her choice to remain detached from the world, from everyone around her. Even when the other Hime's extended an offer of friendship to her after the events of the carnival, she had just coolly walked off.
She found her unshed tears were beginning to sting the back of her eyes. But she was determined not cry, she did not want to give these the satisfaction of seeing her tears. Why though?
She shouldn't care whether these men saw her cry, that her heart was beating so fiercely that she was sure everyone within a twelve block radius could hear it. She didn't care… She was going to die. Nothing mattered now.
She had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts it had taken her a while to realise that the assault she was expecting had not happened yet. She had blocked out the surrounding environment and closed herself off when she thought she was going to die. Opening her eyes she saw that the men surrounding her were all on the floor near the entrance of the alleyway.
"What's going on? Who's there?" she heard the old man yell as he crawled further into the dark corner from which he had entered from.
"I do believe she asked you to let her go…," said the feminine voice of her savoir.
"That accent…it can't be…" Nao quickly turned around and found those familiar crimson eyes.
Nao stared at the dark figure that stood at the entrance of the alleyway, surrounded by the unconscious bodies of the men who had been attacking her moments ago. The flash of crimson was all that could be seen of the figure as the shadowed person opened their eyes.
She didn't need to see the figure under the dim light of the flickering lamp to know who it was; if the accent hadn't given it away…
Those glowing eyes definitely would have
Why is Fujino Here?
The only noise Nao could hear was the clicking of the former President's heeled boots as she walked further into the alley, stepping on any of the bodies that lay in her path. Her pace was slow - as if every-step she was taking was deliberate; which only added to the already chilling air surrounding her. As she drew closer to the lamp-light Nao could see that in her hand was the memorable red weapon she had wielded so fiercely during the Hime competition.
Nao felt an ache of fear in her stomach as Shizuru walked towards her with the weapon in her hands. It had not been too long ago that Nao had been at the receiving end of the brunette's malicious rampage, and although she would never admit it aloud to anyone; the crimson eyed girl still frightened her…a little. Just a tiny, miniscule bit.
A practically microscopic amount. And it took a lot to scare Nao Yukki, let alone give her nightmares for three months.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as her eye caught the cowering figure of the old man who had been threatening her with his knife. The moron had cornered himself into a corner with no means of escape. He began crying out for someone to save him as Shizuru began to move closer towards him. If she had thought Shizuru looked terrifying, Nao struggled to imagine how frightened the people Shizuru saved her from would be.
Saved…
A shiver shot up her spine as the thought had clicked into place. The older girl had saved her. Shizuru had put herself in a dangerous situation to save her.
Suddenly the ache of fear she had felt at the bottom of her stomach turned to a pang of guilt. Although she had told the older girl she had "forgiven" her for the actions she had taken during the Hime festival, Nao had not truly meant it. She had wanted the Himes to leave her alone after the festival had ended; she wanted to forget it had all happened…so she told them what they wanted to hear.
She still harboured some of the hate she had felt for the former president, even a year later. Now here was the subject of all that loathing; saving her life.
Well it's not like she knew it was me before she stepped into this mess…
Nao saw that Shizuru had now stopped a few feet away from the old man as she raised her crimson staff over her shoulder, reeling it back behind her head as if she were about to strike. She then forced it forward over her head and cast it toward the old man. The spear-like object extended into a chain, swiftly winding its way toward her opponent. Capturing him it began coiling around him like an anaconda, tightly squeezing him. The old man found himself being lifted off the ground and dragged rapidly towards her. Whipping the weapon towards herself, Shizuru closed the gap between them, stopping him five inches away from her face.
She turned towards the side of his face and whispered something into his ear. The man nodded vigorously in agreement, "ANYTHING. PLEASE JUST LET ME GO!" he pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
Shizuru smirked; and even in the dim flickering light Nao could see those radiant eyes held something resembling a glint of amusement enter them. "As you wish…" she said.
Those were the last words Nao heard before she witnessed the old man being swung violently across the alley way and into the window of the store across the street. Almost immediately following the loud crash, the sounds of the store's alarm system could be heard blaring through the previously silent neighbourhood.
Nao's head was hurting, and the pain she felt was only deepened by thoughts of the Fukka City Police Department arriving at the scene. She had never had the best track record with the police, even before her mother was hospitalized; but lately her nightly activities had been gaining more attention then she would have liked. If she was caught tonight…the police had warned her in the past that social services would have to get involved…
Nao blinked. Shizuru was now standing over her with her hand extended towards Nao. Great, I probably look completely pathetic right now she thought as she realized she was still in the same position she had been in while she was being attacked. Choosing to ignore the hand reaching out to her, she got up and dusted herself off with her back towards Shizuru.
Nao took this opportunity to compose herself; closing her glistening eyes, she tried to catch her breath. A sudden wave of exhaustion hit her coupled by the realization of just how much of a close call she had just survived. What would have happened had Shizuru not come – she didn't want to think about it. The back of her head was already throbbing, her chest hurt with each gulp of air she took. She felt as though her heart was going to beat right out of her chest.
A hand grasped her shoulder; giving it a reassuring squeeze. She allowed herself to relax into it for brief moment and relish being comforted, before shrugging it off. She turned around quickly, facing Shizuru Fujino for the first time in nearly a year. Although the older girl had not changed physically, Nao could barely recognize the woman now standing in front of her.
Shizuru was dressed in dark blue hip-hugger jeans and a dark crimson tube top that could almost rival her eyes, finishing her outfit was a black denim jacket. Nao had never seen her out of her school uniform or a traditional kimono.
Nao saw that the former President was also staring at her with the same captivated gaze. She shook her head, trying to stop feeling so light headed, ending the impromptu staring contest that had befallen them. Clearing her throat she tried to regain what little dignity she had left.
"What the hell are you doing here Fujino?" Her voice did not carry as much bark as she would have liked it to, but she was starting to get lightheaded and that was the closest thing to a snarl as she could muster. She blamed it on being hit on the head with a fucking pistol.
Although her voice feigned hurt, Nao could once again see that glint of amusement in her eyes as she spoke "Is that how you Yukki-san repays me for saving her life? How mean..." Shizuru skilfully completed this with a pout.
Nao snorted. Who does she think I am, Kuga?
Sending a glare towards the older woman she responded with a growl. "No one asked you for help. I could've handeled it!" She growled as she clenched her fists.
Ah yes, there was the bark she had been missing earlier.
There was an awkward silence as Shizuru closed her eyes as she put a finger to her chin. She seemed to think about something for few seconds, before opening her eyes once again. "I am sure you could have Yukki-san, I only helped you because I was worried that you would hurt them when you got free." She paused before smiling brightly, "We would not want you going to jail for multiple murder charges now...Nao."
Nao's eyebrow twitched at hearing the pun on her name and she cringed internally. Somehow I thought Fujino would be above that obvious joke…guess I gave her too much credit.
She could see the smile on the brunette widen. Nao knew that the crimson eyed woman was trying to force a reaction out of her. Or maybe sidetrack her from her earlier question?
Either way Nao would not let the former Student Council President manipulate her.
Why would she be here so late anyway? This was hardly a neighbourhood in which she thought the sole daughter of the esteemed Fujino family should be, and certainly not at such an ungodly hour.
Shizuru raised an eyebrow at Nao's thoughtful expression.
Nao looked her in the eye as she asked the question a second time. However, this time she made sure to keep her voice soft as to not let the woman know she was affecting her. "What are you doing here Fujino?"
Shizuru plastered a smile on her face once more and spoke in her usual Kyoto-drawl, "Ara, I was just passing by when I heard voices..."
Snorting, Nao turned to away from her, fixing her gaze to the moon. The clouds that had been covering it previously had moved on, and the sky became clearer; lighting up the alley slightly. Why is she being so difficult?
"It's late Fujino, probably way past your bed time." Her reply was met with a giggle from the older girl.
"Ara, and how would Yukki-san know what my bed time is, is there something she is not telling me perha–" Shizuru's teasing retort was interrupted by Nao, who had turned away from the gleaming moon and was now staring very intently into Shizuru's eyes.
"Cut the crap Fujino and tell me already, we both know this is a long way from where you live...," the harshness of her voice had even startled her into silence once she ended the sentence. Sure, the older girl had been deflecting her question, but she had saved her life. I shouldn't be acting like this…even if she IS annoying.
Nao could feel her heartbeat quicken, thumping harder then she had ever remembered. Her breath began becoming more laboured and the banging in her head grew more severe. She was determined not to let the brunette notice any of this.
Slowly making her way to the wall of the closest building she leaned against it, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. Looking back up at the brunette, she noticed that the she looking intently at the ground rather than meeting her eyes.
She heard a soft sigh escape the former president's lips.
"....the truth is Yukki-san, I was following you," the words were said so faintly that Nao had barely heard them.
Following…?
Nao winced as the banging in her head grew louder. She began getting very woozy. I seriously need to get home…
Taking advantage of the awkward break in conversation; she pushed herself off the wall, and tried to make her way out of the alley.
"I'm leaving… " was all she muttered as she passed Shizuru.
"No wait, Yukki-san just let me explain...," Nao heard Shizuru's footsteps following her, and tried to speed up her pace. This was made increasingly difficult as her legs were now getting weaker with each step she took. Shit, they hit me harder than I thought…when I get my hands on those bastards...
Miscalculating a step, Nao found herself falling forwards unable to find her footing. She put her hands out and braced herself for impact as she toppled over. She heard a shout from behind her, as she felt one of her wrists being grabbed. She collided with something softer then the floor before falling to her knees. Exhaling Nao looked up to find concerned crimson orbs looking down at her.
Shizuru had caught her mid-fall and was now also on her knees holding the younger girl against her chest.
"Are you alright…Nao?" She could hear the thick tone of worry that laced the brunette's voice.
Nao felt herself slowly being manuvered to stand up as Shizuru held onto her; carrying most of her own weight. She was being moved towards the wall of the building closest to them. Shizuru gently lowered her down so that she was sitting with her back against the wall.
Nao noticed that she then busied herself thoroughly examining the damage that Nao had sustained. She saw the red eyes scan her face, and spotted a faint frown form on her lips. I must look really bad if I made Fujino wipe that everlasting smile off her face.
She saw that the brunette had now propped herself up on her knees to check her head. Nao blushed deeply, and was glad the former president could not see it. Shizuru's chest was literally centimetres away from her face as the older woman bent forwards in order to get a better look at the top of her head. Nao struggled to keep her face from resembling a tomato. Looking away, Nao decided to focus all her attention on the garbage bin that was now across from her.
She heard a soft gasp from above her and felt one of the brunette's hands in her hair. She then felt the throbbing of her head increase as Shizuru touched a particularly tender area of her head. Nao winced and took a sharp breath.
She felt Shizuru's hands hastily leave her hair, and was bewildered by the amount of concern she saw etched in the other girls face as she looked down at her. "You have a head wound," Nao heard her state softly and found herself thinking No duh, sheheard Shizuru continue"we should really get you to a hospital…"
"No!" was Nao's abrupt reply. She cringed. That was too fast she'll figure out something's up…
"Why not?" she tilted her head curiously and looked into Nao's eyes before continuing, "You need medical attention…you could have a concussion."
Nao huffed.
She could not bring herself to tell Shizuru the truth, even if she had saved her life. She could not bring herself to tell anyone that her mother was in the hospital in a coma and that she was now living in their small cramped apartment by herself; barely making rent. That she had been conning despicable men out of their money to cover her mother's medical bills and to put food in her stomach. That she now had nobody to take care of her, and if the authorities found out they would send her into foster care.
It was a dismal way to live, and too embarrassing to let anyone know.
Nao looked pleadingly into Shizuru's eyes trying to convey what she was feeling without telling her; hoping she would let it go if the brunette saw how adamant she was. "No doctors just please…" she stopped before too much emotion reached her voice. She tried to change the subject before she became too vulnerable"…just…tell me why you were following me."
Shizuru stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. She saw Shizuru's eyes roam her face; studying her expression …she's probably trying to figure out what I'm thinking.
"Well I had been at Club Imperial with some friends when I saw you…" she admitted after an extended silence.
Nao waited for her to continue. After a long pause in the conversation, she prompted her to explain further by pointing out that club was nearly 6 blocks away.
"Yes, I am aware it's six blocks away…I just wanted to know if were okay," came the former president's gentle reply and again her apparent concern caught Nao off-guard once more.
So she had known it was me who was in trouble…and she still risked her life? Nao began to feel something ache in her chest, but could not put her finger on what or why. She began to get nervous.
"I don't need you to take care of me," was her curt response to Shizuru's concern.
The brief statement did not seem to affect Shizuru, "Ara, I know you don't need me to take care of you, but right now, I want to…"
"Well I don't need or want yo-" Nao found she had lost her voice when the brunette leaned her face closer towards hers until their noses were almost touching. Nao could feel a small blush reach her cheeks at the close proximity.
Shizuru let out a giggle before sighing once more. A small smile graced her lips as Nao heard her determined tone, "I am not going to leave you here by yourself in this condition, so don't make this more difficult then it has to be…"
She saw Shizuru move towards her left side and push her head under she her arm, so that now it was around Shizuru's shoulders. "Ready to get up?" she asked.
Once Nao nodded in confirmation, Shizuru helped her to her feet. She heard the former President speak again; but she had difficulty trying to make out anything she was saying.
Nao found herself stop and turn towards the older girl, almost stumbling. She held onto the wall for support.
"Why are you being so nice?" she asked, her voice sounding more strained and tired then she thought she had been. She looked the chestnut haired woman in the eyes. Nao had been puzzled for ever since she had come to her rescue.
Why would the woman she had been fighting to the death with only a year ago be willing to go this far to take care of her?
Her question was met with silence.
Shizuru broke their eye contact and stared at the moon, before answering. "During the festival I took your world away from you," she paused turning back to Nao, her eyes turning glassy "and I can't take that back…"
It had been the first time Nao had seen the former president show any sign of weakness, and she felt a twinge of remorse for causing it…all Shizuru had done was save her life, and here she was being a pain in her…
"Shizuru…" Nao interjected trying to stop her from continuing, she did not want her to recall the past she had been trying to forget. "…I forgave you…"
Shizuru shook her head forcefully, "But it doesn't take away the pain I caused…..or the guilt I feel," and Nao suddenly became aware of just how defeated the older girl looked, like she had given up on something…no one was aware she was fighting for, or against.
Nao saw the features on her face morph into a determined expression, "None of us can change out past mistakes, but I can help you now…" She paused, slipping her head under my arm and around her shoulders once again.
Getting fainter, Nao allowed her to carry all of her weight and guide her out of the alley as she heard the girl speak once again, "How about we get you home hmm?"
"Sure, but only 'cause you insist," was the redhead's slightly slurred response.
A/N: Okay so my story got deleted which I thought was really fortunate because I wanted to make some changes anyway. I've combined my first two chapters, so it's a little longer.
A big thank you to the past reviewers, you're names got deleted so I can't name all of you right now. But thanks for the support.
I tried to slow down the pace of the ShizNao relationship…tell me if I'm still going too fast.
More to come soon. I'm already half way done the second chapter.
(1) Around $300
