Title: The Chains That Bind

Author: Centauri2002

Rating: NC-17 (duh!)

Disclaimer: Kannazuki no Miko, its characters, locations and story are copyright to Kaishaku, etc. I am merely borrowing them. All other aspects, including original characters, are copyright to me.

Note: I have changed a few aspects of the story and also mixed a few concepts from both the manga and anime.

Chapter Note: I read a fanfiction recently, and there's a scene later on in the chapter which isn't entirely my idea but it was so good I wanted to include it. Just so you know. Oh, and if you wrote that fanfiction (which I sadly can't remember it's title) it's a little nod to you. I find vindication in the fact that no idea is truly unique anyway, there will always be inspiration from something else. ;)

Chapter One

The sun peeked over the hills that for decades had watched over the small village at their base. Light raced over the green fields and wrapped itself around the small buildings, down the streets, through the park, until finally resting inside a bedroom, upon the face of a girl, slumbering peacefully. The sudden light made her golden hair shine back at the invading sun, and her eyelids opened ever so slightly. She murmured slightly, then seemingly aware of the time, groaned and rolled over, burying her head into the pillows.

Her room mate however, took the intrusion as her cue to slip out of bed. The short haired brunette stretched and let out a quiet yawn. She peered out at the orange and yellow hues and decided it was a good day to run. She glanced down at the sleeping blonde and smirked. Waking her was going to be a problem but she delighted in thinking of new methods to do so. So what would it be today? A bucket of water? A yell in the sleeping girl's ear? A poke in the ribs? So many choices. She chuckled slightly as she thought of the reaction she would get.

The brunette ran her fingers through her hair and shook her legs out, expelling the sleepiness from her joints. She reached out for her dressing gown and wrapped it around her body. The blonde behind her murmured something in her sleep, causing the brunette to smile again. 'You better be awake when I get back, Himeko, or you're in some serious trouble.' She said to herself while heading for the communal bathroom.

The sound of the door closing drew Himeko from her sleep, and she pushed blonde strands of hair out of her face. She'd been having a dream but the details were now fading from memory. She glanced over at the door. Makoto must have left to get washed. She wondered why her room mate had to get up so early. She sighed and pulled herself into a sitting position. She supposed she should get up too or she'd have Makoto annoying her all morning. Slipping out from under the covers, she carefully maneuvered herself onto her feet. The soft carpetting tickled as she padded over to the wardrobe. She pulled out her school uniform and started to get dressed.

Himeko smiled as the sun shone in on her face. The start of the day bode well for its remainder. She had a feeling it would be a good Thursday today.

"Oh. My. God."

The voice from behind her startled Himeko and she spun around, almost losing her footing. There stood Makoto, a towel lying over one shoulder.

"I can't believe you're actually awake! What apocalypse occurred to make that happen!" She smirked as she poked fun at the blonde.

Himeko pouted whilst hurriedly pulling on the remainder of her clothes. "Well, if you weren't so noisy leaving the room, I could of had more beauty sleep."

Makoto chuckled as she too began to get dressed. "I had plenty of ways to wake you too. Now you've spoiled all my fun."

Himeko looked down at her bag and wondered if she'd remembered to pack everything last night. "Mako-chan, you can be a bit scary sometimes."

"Heh, don't be silly. I'm loveable really!" Makoto flung an arm around Himeko's shoulders and pulled her into a single limbed embrace. The blonde giggled in response.

Director Mark Phelps tapped his fingers across his desk impatiently. He'd just come out of a very long meeting and he was becoming increasingly agitated. Not only was his department understaffed, they were also overworked. And now something major turns up. He let out a frustrated sigh. He lifted his head at the sound of tapping at his door.

"Enter." He said curtly.

The door opened and in stepped a young woman, dressed in jeans and a shirt. Her long brown hair fell down her back. Her disregard for practical and respectable work attire annoyed him endlessly but he let it slide. She was good at what she did afterall. She turned around and stepped up to his desk. She was very young for someone of her job and rank, only twenty. She was their Computer expert, and had been with them for six months now. Wherever she had been before that, Phelps had never been privy too.

"Ah Klavdiya Zhukov. I called you here to talk about a new assignment."

Klavdiya frowned at the director. "Another one? I'm already working several cases." Her accent was not easily placed. Phelps had noticed this immediately. Her papers said she was of Russian decent but her accent was almost mixed from several different countries. Yet another mystery surrounding the computer tech.

"Yes. You'll have to drop those for now. I'm sending you to Japan." He said plainly.

Klavdiya's eyes widened slightly. "What? I've put weeks of work into these cases. What can be more important than-"

"That's enough, Zhukov. This comes right from the top. You're going and that's that." He stated firmly, satisfied when she didn't immediately argue with him.

She seemed to ponder this for a moment before speaking. "So, what's this all about, sir?"

He motioned towards a seat in front of his desk. "Interpol has received some information about a criminal organisation operating in Japan. As that is under our jurisdiction, it's up to us to investigate. Now... from what I've been told, there is very little fact involved but certain events have unfolded that makes me think there's a cult involved somewhere." He paused, allowing Klavdiya to absorb this new information. "The Japanese government has cleverly put a file together making it seem more like a criminal organisation, forcing us to step in."

"You've got to be joking. A cult?" Klavdiya said incredulously.

Phelps shook his head. "You'll be heading to Mahoroba, a small place it seems so hopefully the investigation wont take too long."

"You can't be sending me alone?"

"Of course not, a team will be going with you. You're not a lead investigator after all. But you are our computer tech and I want you to look into some things whilst you're there. It's all in the case file." Phelps explained.

Klavdiya rubbed her chin with one hand. "Hmm, so who is going with me?"

The director glanced at a piece of paper lying in front of him. "Frederic Haineau, he'll be the team leader, and Mikkel Hagstedt who is also an experienced investigator. You can, of course, have back up from the local law enforcement if you find it necessary."

The brunette regarded this new information for a few minutes. "Why is it that you've called me in on my own and aren't briefing us all together?"

Phelps had to commend her on figuring that out, or at least pointing it out to the director. "Well, there's something I need you to do that the others can't do."

"Oh..?" Klavdiya leant forwards in her chair as Director Phelps explained.

Kurusugawa Himeko stretched her legs slightly after rising from her chair. The long history lesson had taken its toll on her endurance and she was glad it was over. Saotome Makoto winked and waved to her from the opposite side of the class. She always went off to the track at this time to do a few laps. She very rarely got to eat lunch with her. She didn't mind though, Makoto was working hard towards something she believed in.

She made her way through the chattering crowd, making sure to stay as hidden as possible. The more they ignored her, the happier she was. She wasn't one for attention, it made her feel very uncomfortable. A small group of girls were talking rather loudly by the school entrance. She couldn't help but eavesdrop, though if the information was forced upon you could you really call it that?

One of the girls squealed. "No way! She's coming back?"

Another jumped up and down excitedly. "I can't believe it. It's been five years. I wonder what she looks like!"

The third giggled uncontrollably. "I wonder how she's changed? Is she still cute?"

Himeko rushed past them, idly wondering who this Miya-sama was. She must be important to cause such a stir. She walked hastily up the path until, finally, there were no more students around. She paused at a junction in the pathway. In front of her was a large green bush, spotted with colourful flowers. Behind it was a tall, aging tree. She stared at it, her heart starting to beat quickly. This all seemed so familiar somehow. So familiar yet so empty. Her chest began to ache and she felt as though she would cry. She had to get away from here. She ran down one of the paths, unaware of where she was headed. She only stopped when she had to pant for air, bending over wearily. Why did she get this sometimes? In certain places, at certain times. It was very confusing. And it hurt. So much.

A tear finally made its way down her cheek, meandering over the reddened flesh before finally falling from her chin to the ground below. She suddenly became acutely aware of a presence looming over her. She looked up slowly, and looking back at her sternly was a tall girl, a few years older than her. Her long straight black hair swirled around her slightly in the breeze, her dark eyes baring a steely gaze.

"R-Rei-san?" She stuttered, recognising the upper classman immediately. It was Tanaka Rei, who was in her last year of school. She always seemed to be in a mad mood though and Himeko didn't know why.

Rei narrowed her eyes at the words. "That's Tanaka-sama to you, Kurusugawa." Her voice held as much steel as her eyes.

Himeko straightened and took a few steps back. She always found this girl a bit intimidating. "S-s-sorry, Tanaka-sama."

Rei 'hmphed' at her and continued walking, not giving her a second look.

Himeko felt like crying even more now but she held it in and just made her way back to the school building. She'd just forego lunch now, she didn't feel much like eating anymore. As she neared the entrance again, she spotted Oogami Souma standing there, surprisingly on his own. He was one of the popular boys, skilled and handsome. Not long ago he had confessed his love for her and, surprisingly, she'd turned him down. She knew she was waiting for someone, and she knew it wasn't him. She had avoided him for a while, not wanting to see his hurt expression, but he had seemed fine with it.

He turned towards her as she approached and gave her a wide grin. "Gokigenyou, Kurusugawa-san." He greeted her.

Himeko gave him a beaming smile. "Gokigenyou, Oogami-kun."

His grin was replaced by a worried expression as she drew closer. "Is everything okay, Himeko? You don't look so well." He reached out to her but pulled back his hand once she was within reach.

She nodded. "I'm fine." She replied quietly. Then she felt a warm hand on her upper arm. She looked up at Souma again.

"If you want to talk..." He blushed slightly and looked away. "I'm here for you."

"Th-thank you, Oogami-kun." She smiled again.

He offered his arm to her. "Come on, I'll walk you back to your class." He grinned at her, making her feel better. She accepted the arm and walked with him.

They walked through the doors and a group of girls shot her envious glances. She could hear hushed talking behind her, but she knew it was harmless. There was no chance of Oogami-kun and her becoming a couple, so the girls had nothing to fear. At least she hoped they knew that.

"Jin-sama!" A small pack of girls popped out from seemingly nowhere and assaulted him. He sighed slightly. "We wanted to have lunch with you, where were you?" One of the girls whined.

Souma rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "I was talking to my friend. I can't be available every lunch." He tried his best to give a convincing smile. Himeko thought it was so kind of him to try and accommodate all his admirers. He never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings. He would make someone a nice boyfriend one day. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm walking Kurusugawa-san back to her class."

With that he pushed his way through the group, much to their chagrin. They muttered something that Himeko couldn't quite make out. "Sorry about that." Souma chuckled nervously. Himeko merely smiled back up at him, making him blush again.

They got to her class and she stepped inside. "Thanks for walking me, Oogami-kun!"

He smiled back at her before taking his leave, followed by yet another group of girls.

Kurusugawa Himeko managed to get through the rest of the day without incident. Mathematics and Geography had droned on but now she was out of school and walking down Mahoroba High Street. She did her best to move through the groups of people. She wanted to try out that new cafe that had opened nearby. She had hastily changed into a short cream pleated skirt and a green sleeveless top when she'd gotten back to the dorms. Picking up the first pair of white shoes she could find, she had rushed out, hoping the cafe was still open. She looked from one side of the street to the other. Now where was it? Mako-chan had told her it was somewhere near here.

She stepped down from the pavement, onto the street crossing. The crowd seemed to part in front of her slightly. She looked ahead as she walked. She caught a glimpse of white in the middle of the throng of people, flowing white in a sea of bodies. Her eyes wandered up the slender form and her heart skipped a beat as her gaze settled on pink. There hung a pink shell, softly tapping against pale skin, held by a string around a slim neck. She froze as something hit her, mentally. The figure approached and stopped in front of her. Everything went blank, and her vision seemed to be filling with a bright light. She felt her body falling forwards, a magnetic pull to this figure. She could not see but she could feel... everything. Strong yet gentle arms engulfed her and she felt like she was falling, falling into an abyss. She felt herself wrapping her arms around this other person's neck, silky hair against her skin. Smooth, flushed skin slid against her cheek as she buried herself in those raven strands. She inhaled deeply and smelled roses. Oh gods. That smell. It was so familiar. So comforting. She felt a warm hand slide up her back, causing her to shiver, and it settled on her neck. She could feel the heat from the other body pressed into hers. Soft mounds pressed against hers, causing her to blush and pull back her head. She peered into mesmerising deep dark blue eyes. They pulled her in, spiralling down, deep down. She felt the face in front of her come closer, warm breath against her lips.

A loud blaring sound startled her from her trance and she blinked herself back to reality. She jumped out of the embrace of the other woman. She stared, disbelieving of her own actions. The hot blush on the other girl's stunningly beautiful features told Himeko she was just as embarassed. What the heck was I doing? She glanced around, several people were staring, and a few cars were trying to maneuver past them, beeping their horns. She glanced at the other girl again but she was avoiding eye contact with her.

"I-I'm s-sorry..." She managed to stutter out a quiet apology before turning on her heels and running.

She ran as fast as she possibly could. What had she done? Why had she done it? She couldn't understand. She shouldered her way past a particularly large man who grunted something at her but she kept running, head down. She had seen that pink shell, the exact same as the one she wore, and then... then thrown herself at a complete stranger. What would make her do that?

She finally came to a stop at the edge of the village center. She hoped she was far enough away from anyone who had seen that display. She breathed rapidly and her heart thudded noisily against her chest. She wasn't sure if it was from the running or from her encounter though. She brought a hand up to her still burning cheek. That woman... she was so beautiful. She may have been the same age as Himeko but she could have been older, it was hard to tell. Her mind took her back to how that embrace had felt. She shivered again. It made her feel hot all over. She shook her head. What are you thinking? I need to go home and forget all about this.

She jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She let out a yelp and spun around, hoping the black haired girl hadn't followed her. Makoto stood there looking at her with a bemused expression and a cocked head. How foolish of you, Himeko, why would anyone want to follow you, let alone someone you embarrassed in public? She blushed even harder with that thought.

"Himeko? What's wrong?" Makoto asked, concern in her voice.

She was dressed in shorts and a tee-shirt. She had obviously been running; part of her evening training regime. She wasn't out of breath like Himeko though. No, she was actually fit. Himeko shook her head, not able to get any words out just yet. Her mind was still racing, as was her heart.

"Come on, I know something's wrong. You don't run. Ever." Makoto gave her a light tap on the arm with a smirk.

"Mako-chan..." Himeko murmured.

Makoto leaned in towards her and tried to make eye contact. "Did you spill something in the cafe, maybe over a cute guy?" She teasingly asked.

Himeko shook her head. "No..."

The brunette straightened up and rubbed her chin. "Well, let's get you back to the room and I'll make you a nice hot cup of tea. That should be you feel better, right?"

Himeko nodded her head gratefully. She wasn't sure if she should tell Makoto about what had happened. It might make her sound like more of a freak than she already felt.

Fifteen minutes later, they were comfortably seated in their dorm room and Makoto was preparing the tea. Himeko leaned back into the bed and let out a sigh. She closed her eyes and tried to relax but immediately regretted doing so. All she could see was those beautiful blue eyes, peering into her soul. She could feel those gentle hands on her back, the sweet breath on her lips. She felt a blush rising up inside her again. Why am I thinking like this?

"What are you thinking about Himeko?" Makoto asked, regarding her blush.

Himeko quickly sat up, banging her head on the bunk above in the process. She grabbed the top of her head, wincing at the pain. She could hear Makoto laughing. "It's not funny, Mako-chan!" She complained.

"Heh, sure it is. That's my Himeko. Always clumsy." She continued to laugh.

Himeko shot her a look of feigned hurt whilst rubbing the sore spot. Makoto offered her the steaming cup of hot tea that she'd been holding. She smiled at her. "Hope that makes you feel better." She then sat down in the chair at their desk.

The blonde gladly sipped at the soothing liquid, it's warmth sliding down her throat. She felt the tension release itself from her muscles slightly.

"So let's hear it!" Makoto chirped, smirking at the other girl.

Himeko sighed, resigned to the fact that Makoto wasn't going to let her get away with not telling her what had happened.

"Have you ever done something so utterly stupid you wish the ground would open up, swallow you, spit you out and repeat it all over again..?" Himeko began.

The brunette's eyes opened wider slightly before an amused expression crept its way onto her face. "Of course not, I'm perfect remember?"

Himeko pouted at her. "You're not making this easy, Mako-chan." She complained.

Makoto chuckled. "Sorry, please continue."

The blonde paused, wondering how she should word it. "Well... I did that today..." She continued hesitantly. "I did something really, really stupid." She lowered her head, her cheeks reddening.

Makoto's voice lost its playful touch. "Himeko, jeez, what happened? It sounds really bad? Did you kill someone or something?"

Himeko let out a quiet laugh. "No, no, nothing like that. I saw this girl in the street and then, for no reason, I just lunged at her. I just felt this want... no, need... to hug her. I don't know why." She waited for Makoto's derision.

She was, instead, met with a lively chuckle. "Is that all, Himeko?" The blonde looked up at her with surprise in her eyes. "So what? I hug strangers all the time! Remember the day we first met, I hugged you because you were so kawaii!"

Himeko smiled at the fond memory. It was true, Mako-chan had just jumped on her in her seat at school. It was her first day, she was really worried and the tomboy had made her feel like she belonged. Probably for the first time in years.

"But this... this was different. I've never seen her before but it felt like I'd known her for years." She explained.

Makoto stood and crossed the room, settling down beside her and putting an arm around her. "You worry too much. It doesn't sound different at all. And you'll probably never see her again so don't worry about being embarrassed." She gave the blonde a reassuring smile.

Himeko took a little solace in the fact that Makoto was probably right, she'd probably never see the raven haired girl again. But her heart also sank at the thought. She quickly returned the smile. "I think I need a little rest."

Makoto rustled the blonde's hair slightly with one hand. "Sure thing, I'll go finish my run then. I'll check on you when I get back."

Himeko watched as the brunette left the room, throwing one more smile over her shoulder at her. She was glad to have a friend like Mako-chan. She always knew how to make her feel better. She lowered herself onto the bed once more and pulled the covers over herself. She felt too drained to get changed right now. She let her eyes flutter shut and hoped that sleep would claim her soon.

The wind picked up outside the dorms, and the brunette scanned the darkness outside the window. There was a full moon and it illuminated a large part of the campus. She tucked her long hair behind her ears and sighed. She couldn't believe that her Director had assigned her to a high school dormitory. At least she managed to get a room inside the unused wing. The principal had said something about them refurbishing. She still couldn't understand it though, even if the Director was worried about this school, she and her team could investigate from outside. Ah well, not much point worrying about it now.

She pulled her hair back out of her face and tied it back into a pony tail. She then knelt down in front of her bags and pulled out her laptop and paraphernalia. She set it out as best as she could on the small desk. Switching the power on, she left it to start up. She moved back to the window. There was little movement outside, except for the ebb and flow of trees and leaves from the strokes of the wind.

Her laptop beeped to signify it was ready for input. She positioned herself in front of it, making her self as comfortable as possibly in the small chair. She went into the password protected folders and selected the case file. She'd better review it if she wanted to make a good start tomorrow. She skimmed over it, making sure to note the important points.

As the Director had mentioned, a cult was supposedly involved in several disappearances in the area. No one had gone missing from the school yet, but the local law enforcement had received information that some of the students may be targetted for recruitment. Typical, she thought to herself. The source was anonymous too, which could mean she was being led on a goose chase. Several bodies had also turned up in the past few months, all had the same M.O. They were ritualistic in nature but experts who had been brought in couldn't match it to any known cults.

Klavdiya supposed it could be considered organised crime but the local authorities really should be able to handle a case like this. Bringing in Interpol was a bit extreme. She guessed that someone in the local government knew someone influential in Interpol. That, or her boss really didn't like her. Sending her off to some remote village when she had two other cases she had to work on.

The Director had noted a business in the area that might be worth looking into. Before they had gone to the hotel, Haineau and Hagstedt thought it would be a good plan for her to look into it, before they did any leg work. Typical, leave all the work to me. She sighed. The two older men hadn't been able to stay at the dormitories, mostly because of their age, but also because of their gender. It seemed the Principal hadn't found her to be of too high a risk to the students.

How old were they anyway? She knew Mikkel Hagstedt was thirty one, she'd worked with him before. She wasn't sure about Frederic Haineau, somewhere in his mid forties she'd guess. She stretched out in her chair for a moment and rested her hands behind her head. Where to start? The name of the company was A.O Co. Ltd. They were supposedly a machinery supplier. She'd find out if that were true or not.

She leant forward again and started work on breaking into the A.O Co. network, hoping it would at least give her a challenge.

END OF CHAPTER