A/N: I want to thank the reviewer who let me know I'd forgotten to tag Shizuru and Natsuki in my story. Also, many thanks to all those who reviewed, I appreciate you and your input :)

I hope you enjoy this chapter!


Shizuru felt a huge smile break out on her face when she watched as Natsuki rolled over. The blush that took over her face rivaled any red Tiefling and she had to struggle to hold in the laugh that was threatening to break from her lips. Could Natsuki be any more adorable? Turning back to the wash basin she finished washing her face. Her mind still on the look Natsuki was giving her. She'd known that the dark haired woman was watching her undress, but she hadn't expected the predatory gaze on the other woman. She was expecting more a look of curiosity. But Natsuki surprised her again. Could she be interested in me? Shizuru thought. The gruff Cleric hadn't shown any signs of it, other than her nervousness and blushing. But, Shizuru got that reaction from most people. She knew she was beautiful and her charm could win over many, but she usually didn't feel anything for the people she charmed. Natsuki was different. The first moment she laid eyes on her she felt her heart stutter. Shizuru watched as the dark haired Cleric had walked into the Church of Pelor and had taken a seat; the light haired woman couldn't take her eyes off her. Shizuru knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this woman was her soul mate. It felt like her very soul was reaching out to this woman and Shizuru knew that if it truly was fate then they would be thrust together. And here she was 3 days in and falling for this young human. The more time she spent the more she felt the pull. But, Natsuki seemed afraid of her and uncomfortable at times. She didn't speak much to her, although that had changed a little after today. She hoped that if she kept her feelings to herself Natsuki would grow more comfortable. The last thing Shizuru wanted to do was scare her away. And so she teased her and flirted with her, but no more than she'd do to other people and hopefully Natsuki would begin to return her feelings, but Shizuru had guessed that the dark haired cleric was skittish. She needed to be courted slowly as to not scare her away. Shizuru was confident that Natsuki wouldn't be able to ignore her souls need to be paired with its match for long.

After finishing the light skinned Tiefling moved toward the bed. It wasn't too small, just enough room for two people, and the way Natsuki had wedged herself against the wall there would be no chance of her touching the woman. She felt her heart drop slightly but consoled herself in knowing that Natsuki seemed shy and probably would do the same for anyone. She lay down on her back, pulling the covers over herself; she glanced once toward her companion before leaning to the bedside table and blowing out the candle. She felt Natsuki let out a breath, her body relaxing slightly once the room was plunged into darkness. It took Shizuru a moment for her eyes to adjust, but after she could see everything in the room clearly. She lay in bed for a while listening to Natsuki's breathing deepen and her body relaxing completely. She smiled, even if Natsuki was a bit nervous around her it was a good sign that she was able to fall asleep so quickly while sharing a bed. Shizuru felt her heart lighten at that and she went to sleep.


Shizuru and Natsuki found themselves standing outside a large overgrown hedge. Shizuru eyed up the rusted gate. Unsure if this was, in fact, Midori's home or if it was just the house of a wild woman as the townsfolk called her. In Samuel's letter he'd said to speak with Midori, but what he failed to include was that she was the town crazy. She watched as Natsuki stepped up to the gate, neither women were wearing their heavy cloaks today, the sun had come out and there were no clouds in sight. Shizuru much preferred this look for Natsuki. Her Cleric robes were simple but elegant, creating a sense of power that she didn't see hiding under a large cloak. There were symbols running along the hood that hung down her back, at the end of her sleeves and more running down the front. She found them fascinating and wanted to ask her companion about them, but she hadn't found the right time. The Cleric grabbed the handle and opened the door, her right hand was resting on the hilt of her mace in case someone were to jump out at them Shizuru surmised. Shizuru's hand strayed near her Naginata, which was her preferred weapon. She'd been trained with a long sword but didn't like the way she had to fight with it. She much preferred using her grace and balance over strength. But, many times Shizuru didn't even need to pull out her weapon; her magic usually solved whatever problem she found herself in. However, she hadn't let Natsuki know about her magic just yet. Many found the dark energy to be disconcerting, a few people even ran from her while she was trying to help them and she most certainly did not want Natsuki to run from her. Although, she highly doubted the Cleric would run.

With a creak, the gate was opened and Natsuki stepped inside. Shizuru followed looking over Natsuki's head. Her first glimpse was the complete jungle that was the yard. There were trees both left and right of the path. Small patches of grass were scattered around, surrounded by plants of all kinds. Shizuru wasn't much for plants and so she couldn't identify any of them, other than a few rose bushes and an apple tree. Her eyes and ears were on high alert for any movement nearby, but other than the sound of wildlife she didn't spot anything. Natsuki didn't seem half as tense as she did, her steps though not as quiet as Shizuru would hope for, were confident and sure as she leads them into his small jungle. She could see the door to a cottage up ahead of them, the door painted a bright red with a small window near the top.

Natsuki knocked once they reached it, her hand making a clear loud sound. Shizuru listened intently and heard scuffling sounds coming from inside. "Hold on be right there!" She heard someone call as there was more shuffling, they didn't wait long before they heard a crash and then the door was open. A redheaded woman stood before them. Her fiery hair was pulled back into a messy bun her eyes were a bit wide and a large smile spread across her face. Shizuru, smiled back at the woman, putting in as much friendliness as possible into her smile. She felt Natsuki take a step backwards, her back brushing her front. Shizuru felt her body grow warm at the contact. Natsuki didn't move away, she seemed to rather be touching Shizuru than be near this wild woman. Shizuru's smile grew brighter and the woman's smile seemed to match hers when their eyes met. "What can I do for you two!" the woman exclaimed.

Shizuru felt Natsuki tense at the exuberant voice, before clearing her throat. "We need to speak to Midori." She said bluntly. Glancing down, Shizuru looked at her with shock. There was no warmth to the voice, it was just a plain question, and she didn't even try to sound friendly. Tensing slightly she glanced up at the redheaded woman. The half crazed woman was scrutinizing them and Shizuru felt a surge of anger course through her at this. Before she could open her mouth to speak the stranger spoke up.

"I'm Midori, who sent you," her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Samuel Dender" Natsuki said without a beat. Shizuru sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. Natsuki just gave away information without first receiving any!

Shizuru went to speak up. "Actually, we are-"the Tiefling was cut off by the redhead again.

"Samuel! I have not seen Samuel and Yukariko in years! How are they? Oh wait, come in! Come in! A friend of theirs is a friend of mine." She turned and moved back into the house leaving the door open.

Shizuru watched as Natsuki removed her hand from her mace and followed. What's happening! Shizuru thought. They are both giving out so much information and to follow a stranger into their home because of a few shared words! Natsuki is much too trusting; she's going to get in trouble one of these days. The tall Tiefling followed the two figures, her steps light and almost silent. Her eyes scanning the walls and floors looking for anything that might be a trap.

"Are you coming Tiefling?" Shizuru heard. She glanced forward again to see Midori standing with a hand on her hip and a raised eyebrow. Shizuru struggled to maintain her mask of warmth to cover her irritation. They reached the kitchen and Midori began to clear space off of a small circular table to the right. There were books and jars, leaves and branches, all kinds of things Shizuru never thought would all occupy the same space at once. Natsuki had sat down in a cleared chair, her back to the entrance hallway and her eyes focused on the redhead. Shizuru took note of Natsuki's lack of worry and would find a time to bring it up to the other woman. She couldn't have her soul mate snuck up on. Shizuru moved to the chair facing toward the kitchen. There was a door wide open to her right leading presumably into the back yard, left sat Natsuki and the entrance from where they came.

Midori brought cups and a teapot over to the table before moving back into the kitchen and grabbing a jar of what looked to be cookies. Wary, Shizuru discreetly smelled the tea to see if it might have been poisoned. When she looked back up Natsuki was giving her a curious look, one dark brow lifting in question. Shizuru put on an easy smile and shrugged off her curiosity, it wouldn't do to voice her concern with Midori in the same room. Midori finally sat down, pouring herself a cup of tea; she took a sip and made eye contact over the rim with Shizuru as she did so. Shizuru felt her hackles raise, apparently, everyone saw, Shizuru thought annoyed.

"So what were your names?" Midori asked.

"I'm Natsuki and this is Shizuru."

"Natsuki, you're a cleric? A cleric hasn't been in these parts in quite a while. What brings you here?"

At this Natsuki hesitates, Shizuru can see the uncertainty in her eyes as she looks down at her cup and then glances up at the Tiefling. Shizuru speaks up. "Samuel sent us. He said you had some information about a city in the western mountains."

Midori eyes her warily again. Shizuru gets the impression that Midori is more concerned with her than with Natsuki. "Yes…I know of a city. But, you're going to have to tell me more than that."

Shizuru takes a small sip of the tea and is surprised by the taste, it was the perfect temperature and she felt herself relax slightly with the familiar warmth filling her. "This tea is wonderful Midori," Shizuru says smiling kindly at the other woman before continuing. She allows her face to fall in sadness. "I'm sorry to inform you, we'd hoped you would have heard sooner. But, Samuel has passed away."

Eyes widening Midori gasped. "Passed away! He's passed away?" Her head tips down and Shizuru can just make out a small tear that slips from the woman's eyes. "I'm so sorry to hear this news. I was hoping to see him again. Did he ever go back?"

"Go back where?" Natsuki spoke up. Shizuru taking note of the way her eyes lit up in interest.

"To Haven and the lost city of course. He was so broken in his last letter that I thought for sure he'd go back. But, that was a while ago. Is that how it happened?"

Shaking her head Shizuru spoke. "No, he passed away back in Hathor. What is Haven and the lost city?"

Midori stood suddenly, shaking her head. "No, I will not speak of it and send you to your doom. I can't do it!"

Shizuru watched her, sensing her mind was on the brink of a break. "Midori, please we are doing this for Samuel. Yukariko has been held as a prisoner for a very long time. We can't leave her there for much longer."

Shizuru watched as Midori hesitated, her eyes clearing slightly. She lowered herself back down into her chair. "It's too dangerous. There's too much darkness!"

"Yes, but we can't leave a friend lost in the darkness. She needs our help."

Eyes were cast down in concentration before Midori lifted her head up looking directly at Shizuru. "You know what! You're right! I'll help you!"

"Thank you, Midori." Her smile was gentle as she watched the other woman sit up straighter.

"Haven is the city you want to get to. There is a path that runs right past my place out front. It's not well-travelled, but it'll get you there. Be careful not to stray too far off the main path though. Darkness lurks in the forest and it can catch you by surprise." Midori took a large bite of a cookie before continuing. "When you reach Haven you'll have to ask for directions to the Ruins of Death. I don't know how to get there myself, but they've been living near it long enough to help you out."

As Midori was talking Shizuru took note of all the important information storing them away in her memory. A piece of hair fell from Midori's loose bun and she tucked the hair behind her ear, showing their long pointed shape. She's an elf. I wonder how old she is. Shizuru mussed. Elves could live for quite a long time in comparison to many races and it was always hard to tell an Elf's true age. But, they were a wealth of knowledge, if they would speak to you of course.

Midori continued on with more warnings about the forests and its darkness, but after a few hours, she could tell that Natsuki was losing interest fast. Her eyes were glazing and she kept getting snapped out of whatever daydream was entrapping her when Midori would exclaim about something.

"Midori, I want to thank you for all your help. But, we must be going. Natsuki and I have an early morning ahead of us. And I must admit I'm feeling a bit tired from our travels so far. We will try and stop in again on our way back." She stood and placed a hand on Natsuki's shoulder who jerked at the contact. Shizuru didn't look directly at her, but she could tell that Natsuki was looking up at her even after she'd finished speaking. Shizuru's heart fluttered at the thought; does Natsuki enjoy looking at me? This is the second time she's stared.

The redheaded elf stood up as well. "Oh yes, of course. The sun is setting." Midori peered out her back door up at the sky. "It looks like the clouds have come back. We should have sat outside in this nice weather. Oh well."

Shizuru glanced outside and saw the first raindrops fall from the sky. "We should hurry before the rain sets in too heavily."

Natsuki stood and Shizuru moved her hand to her lower back, guiding her out. "Thank you again, I appreciate all the help. Have a wonderful evening" Shizuru called back.

"Bye bye!" Midori exclaimed waving enthusiastically from the door, all her earlier suspicion seems to have vanished.

Shizuru kept her hand on Natsuki's back till they exited out the front gate where she moved walk beside the smaller woman. Red splashed across Natsuki's cheeks in an adorable blush, Shizuru had to control the impulse to throw her arms around the other woman.

They had only been walking a few minutes before the heavens opened up and water came pouring out of the sky. Both Shizuru and Natsuki shrieked. Natsuki grabbed Shizuru's hand and began to run "hurry! I don't want to be completely drenched today!"

Shizuru smiled at the sweet action as she was pulled through the town toward the tavern.


Shizuru was sitting on the bed when she saw Natsuki come back in the room. They'd both been soaked from the rain and needed to bath and hang their now damp clothes up. Natsuki requested a bath and they both took turns in the small bath room on the first floor. Natsuki turned to her and looked a bit surprised. "Shizuru, I thought you'd have gone to sleep already."

A smile graced her lips as she cocked her head slightly, taking in Natsuki's damp hair and glistening skin. Her eyes seemed to reflect the lamplight making them glow. "I'm not tired quite yet."

She watched as Natsuki's expressive face showed confusion. "But, you told Midori that we needed to turn in early and that you were tired."

"Yes, that's what I told her, but I said it on behalf of Natsuki. You looked like you were half-asleep with boredom"

"Oh…but why lie?"

Shizuru almost cooed with how innocent Natsuki was. This woman was the epitome of truth and goodness. Her thoughts darkened when she realised that her own morals were questionable. Shizuru decided at that moment that she would not allow Natsuki's beautiful light to dim from the darkness. "Sometimes a white lie is needed. I did not want to hurt her feelings." Shizuru's red eyes watched Natsuki as she nodded slowly and began sorting her things. First moving her mace next to the bed and then shaking out her robes to make sure they would dry properly. What surprised the Tiefling was she did the same to Shizuru's clothes as well. "Ara ara, does Natsuki not want me to catch a cold tomorrow with wet clothes? Or does she just want an excuse to touch my undergarments." Shizuru was shocked at how fast the other woman moved.

The dark haired woman spun around while holding up Shizuru's skirt. "Oi! That's not it! I was just making sure your things were dry." Her angry response was muted by the panicked look and pink cheeks. "I wasn't just trying to touch your things." Shizuru heard muttered under the dark haired girl's breath. At this Shizuru couldn't contain the full laugh that came out. Her head threw back and the genuine laughter filled the room. "Hey, hey Shizuru don't laugh at me," Natsuki whined softly. But as the Tiefling regained her composure letting out a few chuckles she noticed that Natsuki's face had broken out into a slight smile, but the dark haired woman was trying to hide it with a pout. The effect was adorable.

"I'm sorry Natsuki. I couldn't help but laugh. I'm only teasing you. I know you're honourable and are only doing what is best." She gave a reassuring smile in hopes that Natsuki wouldn't feel too bad about her joke. "Is Natsuki going to come to bed? It's much too cold for me to sleep without someone to help warm me up." Shizuru couldn't help it.

Natsuki turned back around after hanging up Shizuru's clothes. She glared at Shizuru, waiting for the other woman to look away, but she never did. Natsuki finally gave in first and grumbled as she walked over. "You don't have to say it like that Shizuru. You make it sound…inappropriate."

Shizuru watched as Natsuki crawled to the side pressed up against the wall. Her hands pulling the blankets up as she slid under them. The Tiefling smiled at the other woman's language. She just chuckled. "I'll try and refrain from using that type of language when referring to us sleeping together." Shizuru could imagine the hot flush that would be gracing her human companion's cheeks and she wished that the other woman was facing toward her at this moment.

Dark shadows flickered across the ceiling as the flame of the candle swayed on the bedside. Shizuru leaned over and blue it out and allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Similar to last time Natsuki relaxed slightly. It had been almost an hour. Shizuru assumed Natsuki had fallen asleep by now, but she rolled onto her back, eyes facing upward.

"Hey, Shizuru are you awake?"

"Yes, I'm still awake."

"Do you…do you believe what Midori was saying about the darkness? That it can actually consume a person completely?" Shizuru heard the slight note of fear in the other woman's voice.

Shizuru rolled to her side so she was facing Natsuki. Her hand came up and rested on the other woman under the covers. "I won't doubt her words. Dark magic can have serious consequences. And if there really is some dark force living in the west than her words has a grain of truth." She heard Natsuki breath in shakily. Long delicate fingers began to rub Natsuki's forearm in reassurance.

"Will it consume us?"

"I don't think this darkness can consume someone like you Natsuki. You have the god Hime on your side. It would take a lot for your light to be tainted."

She watched as Natsuki turned over on her side, now facing Shizuru as well. She watched as Natsuki's human eyes tried to make her out in the darkness. A pale white hand reached out toward her as if to brush against her face, but halfway there it pulled back. "Thank you, Shizuru." Shizuru felt slight disappointment at the words. She'd hoped that there might have been more. But, she was heartened when she saw Natsuki close her eyes, remaining facing toward the Tiefling.


Both were walking at a moderate pace. They had left the town a few hours earlier and were walking southwest toward the city of Haven. Dirt had turned to mud an hour prior and Shizuru felt her foot slip slightly. It had taken them much longer due to the muddy path, but Natsuki hadn't mentioned her dislike of the rain or cold once. They had spoken a bit more on their quest but hadn't brushed on the topic of darkness. Natsuki seemed to have forgotten all about her worry from the night prior. Shizuru instead moved closer to the other woman, finally deciding they'd walked in silence long enough.

"Where are you from Natsuki?"

Natsuki glanced over at her, her face shadowed from the hood she wore to keep the rain out. "I'm from the Eastern province. The city of Bria."

Head tilting to the side she looked up at the sky trying to recall its location. "Is that close to the border being the central province or closer to the coast?"

"The coast, it's a small city." The dark haired woman said.

Shizuru glanced up ahead, seeing the trees dripping with rain. She was mussing on what Natsuki was like as a young girl. "I wonder, did Natsuki always want to be a Cleric?"

She heard a slight chuckle come from the other woman. "No actually. I was the farthest thing from a being a cleric. My father was a fisherman and my mother was a kitchen worker for one of the wealthy families in Bria." Shizuru watched as Natsuki's face lit up with memories. "I was more prone to running around with the other children, getting into trouble."

Shizuru pictured a young dark haired girl running around by the ocean, playing with shells. "Why did you join the temple?"

A look of anger, sadness and then resignation crossed the other woman's face. "There was a raid, not many survived. My parents did not make it." Shizuru heard Natsuki's throat clear.

Shizuru hesitated slightly before placing an arm around the smaller woman. She did not continue her line of questioning, realising that Natsuki wasn't going to say much more.

They continued walking in silence, Shizuru's arm draped around the other woman's shoulders when a distant sound of water could be heard.

Clouds had rolled in a bit and she heard the wind whistling through the trees, but the sound of rushing water was becoming clearer. Her arm fell from cloak covered shoulders when Natsuki moved a bit quicker toward the sound. They reached a curve in the rode and up ahead were a large ravine with pounding water below. Shizuru moved closer, eyes glancing down the steep cliffs to the raging river. The sound was thunderous; she could barely hear her own thoughts over the sound of the water. A hand is placed on her arm brought her attention away from the water.

"Over there! It's a bridge!" She heard Natsuki yell over the sound. Large ropes were tied on either side of the river attached to pylons that had been driven into the ground. A swaying rope bridge hung over the flooded rapids. She moved closer, following Natsuki's lead. Her eyes trained on the bridge that was swaying in the wind. Some of the boards looked rotten and old. The main ropes although large and sturdy were frayed in some sections.

Eyes snapped to Natsuki as she tested the first board with her foot. Shizuru leapt forward hand grabbing her pack and pulling her back. "Wait, this doesn't look safe."

She watched as Natsuki glanced back toward the bridge. "It looks alright, and Midori had said not to stray from the path. If we go left it leads further into the mountains and if we go to the right it'll lead us to the ocean. There won't be other places to cross, especially because of the amount of rain, the river is completely flooded."

Her eyes felt strained as she listened to Natsuki's words. Shizuru understood the logic, swallowing tightly she nodded. "Alright"

"It'll be alright Shizuru. Here I'll go first." Natsuki said.

The Tiefling watched as Natsuki pulled a coiled rope off her pack and began to tie it around her waist. "I'll tie this to the pylon and go across. When I reach the other side you can tie this end around yourself and I'll secure my side." Natsuki placed her hands on both of Shizuru's arms. "It'll be alright, I promise" Shizuru felt herself relax when she saw the reassuring smile spread across the other woman's face.

After tying the rope Natsuki began her walk across the bridge. Shizuru watched standing close to the edge eyes trained on her companion's steps. The bridge swayed and groaned under the added weight, but held. It didn't take long before Natsuki had made it across and she turned and smiled back. Shizuru felt herself relax knowing Natsuki was safe, but her body tensed again when she saw a dark shape come running out of the trees. "Natsuki look out!" Shizuru called just as the unknown creature leapt on the woman and both landed in a pile on the ground.

Shizuru heard a loud screech come from the creature and watched as Natsuki shielded her face from the clawing hands. Heart dropping Shizuru realised she needed to get across, now! Any fear of deep water vanished when she heard Natsuki cry out in pain. Shizuru's feet began to run over the slick wooden planks of the bridge. Her heart thundering and eyes trained on the fight.

Natsuki was able to throw the small creature off of her and stand, shrugging off her pack and pulling her mace from her belt and shield from her back in one swift motion. She swung her mace in an upward arc toward the creature landing a solid hit. Shizuru had made it 3 quarters of the way across when she saw another creature running at Natsuki from behind.

Reaching inside her cloak she grabbed a small dagger and hurled at the creature. The dagger sailed through the air landing solidly in its body right as it leapt at the dark haired woman. Shizuru ran the rest of the way cross, body shaking from fear and adrenaline, dropping her bag as soon as she reached land. She watched as the creature leapt at Natsuki again; managing to grasp hold of Natsuki's shoulders, needle like claws cutting through the thick cloak on the woman's shoulders.

Natsuki reached a hand up between the creature and her and Shizuru watched as a beam of blue energy shot out from the young woman's hands, blasting the creature off of her. Shizuru reacted fast, seeing her chance to finish the creature now a few feet away from her ally. Shizuru grabbed her Naginata swinging it off her back and in a powerful overhand arc landed a solid blow into the creature's body, a low shriek was heard before it slumped over. Shizuru wrenched the blade out and turned to check on Natsuki, she could see small scratches running along the woman's pale cheek; her body was standing a little hunched under her cloak.

Shizuru took a step forward to check on the woman's injuries when she heard a loud roar come from the trees on the right-hand side of the path. Bushes rustled and a large dark animal came barrelling out. Dark matted fir and long sharp fangs dripping in saliva was the first thing Shizuru noticed. She watched as the creature ran at them. Knees bent and her body tensed, Naginata at her side waiting for the perfect moment. When it was about 5 feet away she swung up, slicing through fur along its chest. She took a back and spun on her heel, the beast took a swing but she managed to duck under the claws.

Glowing yellow eyes glanced over its shoulder and went to turn, but the glint of a mace came right before the beast let out a grunt, whipping around to face forward. A downward swing of her blade cut threw muscle; red began to drip from its wounds. She saw an arm go swinging forward and she heard the grunt as Natsuki was lifted off her feet and flung about 10ft away. Watching as the large creature spun it used its moment to bring it's another clawed paw to slice across her front, catching her on the arm and right below her leather chest armour. Teeth clenched she rolled to the side and under its arm brining her blade over the creatures knee. Before she could stand there was another blast of light slamming into the creature causing it to stagger forward.

Feet sliding under her slightly from the mud Shizuru danced around behind it again, spinning and using her momentum she brought her blade across the creature's neck. Blood was dripping and the creature was looking rough, but it roared lunging at her. Mud squished under her feet as she tried to dodge, but wasn't quick enough. Sharp claws digging into her shoulder she let out a cry. A mace flashed into view as it thudded against the beasts head.

Words came spilling out of Natsuki's mouth in an unknown tongue, Shizuru didn't have time to feel confused because her body suddenly felt rejuvenated and her head snapped back to the animal in front of her. Eyes focusing in on the beasts face she grabbed a dagger and leapt up and jammed it into the beast's eye. It stumbled back from the force and gurgled in pain as it collapsed onto the ground.

A sigh was heard behind her. Eyes turning toward Natsuki she noted the woman looked ragged. There was blood dripping from cuts on her cheeks and she was caked in mud. Some of her hair had escaped her braid and hung around her face. But, what surprised her was the smile.

"Why are you smiling?" Shizuru asked, moving toward the dark haired woman.

Natsuki let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head slightly. "That was the most excitement I've had in a long time!" She moved to meet Shizuru halfway. "And you were incredible, how do you move like that!"

Shizuru couldn't help her slight chuckle that escaped. The dark-haired woman's mood was infectious. "Ara, does Natsuki want me to show her how I move?" Shizuru winked at the girl. What she didn't expect was Natsuki to double over and laugh.

"There is mud all over your face; I can't take your wink seriously when you're covered in mud!"

Shizuru laughed as well. "Natsuki could always help me clean up." Her voice light, filled with laughter. Natsuki didn't take the bait, but laughed a bit more, before moving to grab her pack.

"Let's move away from her and I can have a look at your wounds. And maybe after that, I'll help you clean up." She shot Shizuru a cheeky smile.

Shizuru's mouth fell open slightly. Was Natsuki flirting back?