Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime or characters... I make no monetary profit in any way either...
Yay for Natsuki as a knight!
A/N: I wanted to clarify that although I kept referring to Natsuki as a female, since that is her real gender, everyone in the story except Saeko thinks she's a boy. Would it be easier if I referred to Natsuki as a "he"?
Chapter 2: Back to School
Standing near the door of her mother's chambers, Natsuki gave her mother an apologetic glance before turning to look out the window. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, indicating that it was midday. She gave a small sigh as she turned her head back to face her mother.
"Mother, I will have to return to the castle soon," the child murmured. "My studies for knighthood await me and I mustn't disappoint my lord by being late."
"I understand, my child. I will miss you. Your father is proud of your accomplishments," Saeko replied. "He watches you with a smile upon his lips." Oh, Akio. It has only been days since I've been notified of your death. I knew Natsuki could not stay and comfort me forever, but I am selfish and I wish she could stay.
"Of course, mother. Please take good care of yourself in my absence," the younger blunette left to prepare for her departure back to the castle. Father, I will become a great and valiant knight like you some day. And on that day, mother will stop smiling that dead smile since learning of your death…
"Sakomizu-san, it is time we left," the young master announced to her escort. "I mustn't be late."
"Yes, young master. The preparations are ready. Duran is waiting outside," the servant replied. "Will the mistress be seeing you off?"
"No, I have already informed mother. Thank you."
Natsuki briskly left the mansion and walked up to her horse, a deep frown settled upon her lips. I feel bad leaving mother all alone right now. She will have to deal with losing father all by herself. Somehow, I feel like I am abandoning her in a time of need.
Mounting her horse, Duran, Natsuki waited for Sakomizu to do the same. When the servant was ready, Natsuki nudged the side of the horse and began her journey back to the place where she was a page. Back to study mode. Back to learning literature and weaponry.
As Natsuki rode her way back to the castle, her memory wanders to back to the events that have happened in the few days between the party and now. When she learned of her father's death, she was devastated that the one person she admired suddenly disappeared. When she tried to comfort her mother, the older woman would give a gentle, yet dead smile, and say to her, 'Natsuki, do not worry about me. Focus on becoming a great knight like your father and make him proud. That is all I ask of you.'
She couldn't stop the nagging pain that resided in her chest, no matter what she did to distract herself. She practiced her aim in archery and fighting with a sword. She groomed her horse in the stables and rode him for miles and miles at top speed. She even sought for companionship with one Tokiha Mai.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Tokiha Mai walked into the lobby of her home due to her father's beckon. When she entered the large room, she was faced with the back of a blue-haired boy. Confusion etched into her features as she approached her father's side.
"Father," the redhead started.
"Ah, Mai! Good timing, you have a guest," her father gestured towards the boy, who at that same moment, turned to face Sir Tokiha. "Kuga Natsuki has come to request your company."
"How do you do, milady?" Natsuki smiled as she gave a slight bow in Mai's direction.
"Well, I will leave you two kids alone. Don't play too rough with my daughter, Mr. Kuga."
"Thank you, Sir Tokiha."
When the knight has left, Natsuki turned her attention back to her redheaded friend. Taking a step forward, she noticed surprise swarming in violet orbs.
"Surprised to see me, I take it," Natsuki said playfully. "Would you like to go out with me?"
"K-Kuga-sama! I-I have already been promised to Yuuichi Tate," she replied with wide-eyes.
The blunette let out a chuckle, "Do not misunderstand me. I am requesting to spend time with you as a friend. I promise there is no ulterior motive."
"Kuga-sama—"
"Natsuki is fine," the blunette cut in. "When we are alone, there is no need for formalities. Call me Natsuki."
"Natsuki-san—"
"Natsuki."
"Natsuki, then call me Mai. What do you have in mind?"
"I was thinking of going for a ride. I brought my horse with me. He is currently snacking away in your stable."
"I can't ride horses," Mai nervously responded.
"Why not?" Natsuki cocked her head to the side. When Mai did not answer, Natsuki prodded her again with the same question. "Why not?"
"You're going to laugh at me," mumbled Mai.
"No, I won't. Tell me."
"Yes, you will. Just like all the other boys. Even Tate…"
"Mai," Natsuki gently began, "I promise I won't laugh."
Taking in a deep breath, Mai looked into emerald orbs filled with sincerity. "When I was younger, I tried riding a horse because some boys were taunting me about how girls can't do that kind of thing. I got really angry and tried to prove them wrong. When I sat down at the saddle and kicked the side of the horse, it started running really fast. I lost balance and fell off…"
When Mai looked up, she found a grin on the blunette's face and immediately blushed a bright red color. "You're going to laugh, aren't you?"
"Nope," Natsuki replied.
"Go ahead and laugh!" Mai said, louder in volume this time. "I kno—"
"Let's go, Mai," Natsuki said as she pushed Mai towards the stables.
When Mai arrived at the stables, she watched Natsuki gather her horse over. It was a beautiful white horse, still in its developing stages. Since it wasn't full-grown yet, that made it easier for the children to saddle him up and mount onto his back for a ride.
Extending her hand to the redhead, Natsuki said, "Come on. I'll help you get on."
"Oh no! I absolutely refuse. No. Nope. I'm not going to—"
"Trust me, Mai," Natsuki said, delicately taking hold of Mai's hand. "Up you go…"
And with that, Natsuki boosted Mai onto Duran before mounting herself onto her horse's back. The blunette gave the horse a few soothing pets before taking control of the reigns in one hand, and looping an arm around Mai with the other.
"N-N-Natsuki," Mai stuttered as she felt an arm holding her waist protectively.
"Relax. Duran is going to go slowly, at a walking pace. And I'll make sure you don't fall off," Natsuki informed. "Or is it my arm around your waist that is bothering you?"
"N-No, you're fine," Mai blushed, feeling oddly safe at the moment.
"Alright," Natsuki nudged Duran's side softly. "We're going to get rid of your fear of riding horses now. Be ready."
Duran trotted around the stable's ground at a walking pace, earning a grin from Mai as her fear was starting to alleviate. Duran made some snorting noises, indicating that he was slightly annoyed at the fact that he could not run like he wanted to. Natsuki took notice of this and patted his neck apologetically.
"Shall we go a bit faster, then?" Natsuki asked Mai when she saw that the redhead was no longer frightened.
However, even though she asked, she did not wait for an answer from the other girl. She gave Duran another light nudge to his side and he happily started moving at a faster pace, slowly speeding up to a run.
"Natsuki!" Mai yelled, fear evident in her voice.
"Relax," the blunette whispered her into ear. "I've got everything under control. You won't fall, I promise."
The arm around Mai's waist tightened a little, pulling the redhead's back to press against the blunette's chest. It seemed the only person who noticed was Mai, as she gave another blush and completely forgot about the fact that the horse was running at a speed that was not within her comfort level.
Natsuki let out a soft chuckle before speaking, "See? Nothing to fear, right?"
Looking up into the sky, Natsuki noticed that the sun was starting to set. She slowed Duran down to a walking pace, and eventually stopped in front of the stable doors. Natsuki jumped off the horse gracefully before helping her redheaded friend down slowly.
"How was that?" Natsuki asked.
"It was… not scary with you, Natsuki," Mai smiled shyly.
The blunette smiled, "Good. I have to go back to the castle tomorrow to resume my page studies. The next time the count allows me to return home, we'll go for a ride again, okay?"
As Mai nodded her head, Natsuki mounted back onto Duran. "Good. I have to get going before the sun sets. Return home safely now, and I will see you when I can."
The redhead nodded her head again. "Goodbye, Natsuki. I will see you later then…"
With that, the redhead watched as Duran raced out of sight. She marveled how calm Natsuki looked as she was riding away at thrice the speed from earlier. Truly, Natsuki was amazing, Mai thought.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Back to school, huh?" Natsuki muttered to herself as the castle came into view. She turned back to see Sakomizu not too far behind from her and ordered for him to go home.
"Take care, young master. Write home every so often," he said.
Giving him a curt nod, the blunette turned back to the direction of her destination. Back to school…
Entering the castle, the blunette tried to escape back to her chambers immediately. But luck was not on her side, and she bumped into some of her classmates.
"Hey! It's Natsuki!" one boy cried as he and the rest flocked over to her.
"We heard about your father," one of them said. "And we're very sorry about your loss."
"Thank you, Reito-san. Thank you, everyone, but I am tired from my trip, so please excuse me," the blunette said.
She walked past the boys and continued forward until she reached a door with her name on it. When Natsuki first started out as a page, she was roomed with Reito, which pretty much made him the only guy that Natsuki would talk to of her own free will. But because of her true gender, she requested a room to herself. It was an absurd request, of course, but she was able to get it due to her family's influence. It didn't hurt that Natsuki was an excellent student, which put her in many teacher's good graces.
Sighing to herself, the blunette unconsciously clutched onto her chest as the throbbing pain in her heart would increase in intensity. Mother… I will make father proud. If that is what you ask of me, I will do it. Father… watch over me. Watch me as I continue your legacy with honor.
Fear not readers! I know you can't wait for Shizuru's dramatic entrance into this wonderful piece of fanfiction. It shall happen soon. *smiles*
On a side note, did you guys like the little bit of NatMai that I included?
Reviews are very much appreciated. So please do leave a comment.
