Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime or the characters! Sunrise does! This is purely a fanfic in appreciation for these amazing characters that many have fallen in love with.
Summary: Watching the one you love die because of you is probably the worst burden you can obtain throughout this life. Well… hunting them down afterwards to stop mass murders and bloodshed is a whole other story…
Warning: Yuri
Prepare for SHIZNAT my minions!
This chapter is extra-long just for you guys! But I think a bit too much happens…
Thanks for all the amazing reviews! They simply raised my spirits and allowed me to keep writing! So really big shout out to all you guys who reviewed! And all you guys who have been reading!
Thanks so much and enjoy!
P.S I did not actually spell check this... so I apologize in advance
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Chapter 3
Just Yesterday Part 1
One Last Goodnight
By GrimaThanEvil
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It was just yesterday when we first began to fall in love…
And it was just yesterday when I began to lose you…
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Three years ago
The ticking of a fan was the only sound resonating from the gloomy room. It spun round and round casting rapid and subtle shadows along the now pale blue walls. A single bed rested against the left wall, its sheets wrinkled, unmade and scrunched at the bed's end; one of the pillows lay on the light cream carpet while the other sat in its correct position at the bed's headboard. A circular dark blue and black rug sat in the centre of the room right below the spinning fan. Directly opposite the single bed sat a grey desk, its chair occupied, and surface covered in unused books and overused sheets of paper. Posters covered the newly painted blue walls and filled up cardboard boxes sat in the far corner filled with old plush toys and bright purple and pink objects its owner had never had a use for.
Outside the sun was beginning to set and the chirping of birds increased overhead as the animals made their way back to their nests. An exhale joined the ticking sounds inside the room as Natsuki spun sixty degrees in her chair, stopping as her left converse touched the side of her desk's leg. She currently wore her usual denim skinny jeans and white loose singlet with strange black patterns in its centre. The girl slipped her foot back so she could continue her spin feeling her jeans rub and tighten around her legs; she now faced the rest of her room and her bed. Her emerald eyes swept over its contents; the messy bed, the motorbike posters on her wall, the carpet, the rug, the socks and clothing on the floor… it was all hers now. The very essence of the room seemed to reflect her very aura. Nevertheless something did not feel right about this new environment. Of course it had been what she had always wanted ever since she moved into the Fujino Estate.
Finally at the age of eighteen Natsuki was able to decide what her room actually looked like, and finally at age eighteen the Fujino's reluctantly painted her room the colour she wanted it to be. Yet Natsuki's life was not complete… she had thought that this change would be the most welcoming change this year, well besides graduation; it wasn't.
Why? Maybe it was because the very essence of the room was now the emerald eyed girl and not the tea drinking fifteen year olds idea of what a twelve year old should enjoy. Maybe it was because the tea drinking fifteen year old was not fifteen anymore, no, now she was twenty one and now she was so very far away in both age and interaction. Things had never been the same since Shizuru graduated three years ago. Something changed within her and life was not as innocent as Natsuki deemed it out to be all these years in the Fujino estate. The tea drinking teenager – correction – the tea drinking woman was now very busy with Searrs. An organization Natsuki was soon to join after graduation. The bright side was that Natsuki was going to see Shizuru a lot more, well, so she hoped. However the emerald eyed girl did not know what she would do if she was assigned to another squadron; she spent most of her time waiting for Shizuru to come home; always worrying that the ruby eyed Kyoto-born would not return. Of course her worrying would end up being for nothing since the older woman would always return and always give Natsuki a warm smile before going to bed. Natsuki of course never objected to such an act. She knew Shizuru needed her rest and the ruby eyed goddess always seemed pale and fatigued behind her mask when she came home.
Emerald eyes snapped to the doorway at the sound of soft footsteps. Immediately all thoughts washed out of Natsuki's head and she sprung up and walked towards her doorway. Once she reached the hallway she was greeted by the presence of Shizuru who smiled at the sight of her.
"Ara ara… was Natsuki-chan waiting for me?" she seemed to tease all knowingly. Green orbs watched the girl for one second, taking in as much detail as they could; Shizuru's chestnut tresses were slightly tangled and irregularly wavy; her lips were chapped and pale which was very rare for the beauty indicating that she had had a very busy mission. Her soft delicate skin was stained a strange colour in some areas and her clothes were tattered and incrusted with dirt.
Natsuki became worried straight away but blushed at that look Shizuru always gave her, that look that always regarded the emerald eyed girl with such care and devotion. A look Natsuki wished meant more than just what it really was… "Sh-shizuru" stuttered the midnight haired teenager.
"Na-tsu-ki" teased the Kyoto-born tilting her head to the side and watching the cobalt haired teen with amusement. Natsuki could tell Shizuru was fatigued and immediately stepped back into her doorway allowing the chestnut haired woman to pass. Those ruby eyes locked with emerald once more and unexpectedly Shizuru took a step towards Natsuki's door. The bike loving teen didn't expect this at all and flinched slightly at the close proximity of the other body. Shizuru was so close to her that Natsuki was overwhelmed and engulfed with her scent, it was the most intoxicating smell, and it seemed to mask all other possible and unwelcoming smells covering the Kyoto-born. It had been so long since Shizuru actually interacted with her, so long since the woman had even been able to be close to Natsuki and acknowledge her existence.
Shizuru noticed Natsuki flinch and stepped back. For a moment those red eyes seemed confused - at her own actions or Natsuki's the eighteen year old did not know - so emerald eyes watched with uncertainty as the twenty one year old left and walked down the hallway towards the bathroom.
Only once Natsuki heard the door close and the pipes in the walls squeak did she dare to move and admit to herself that Shizuru was now gone. She twisted round and kicked off her converses which were reluctant to leave her feet. Frustrated she stepped on the back of each heel and forced them off before falling onto her bed with a poof. She stared up at the ceiling watching the shadows of the fan spinning around her room. Why was she wearing her shoes before anyway? She couldn't remember. Emerald eyes narrowed and Natsuki turned onto her side and curled up on her bed; all that was on her mind was Searrs and Shizuru. It was always Searrs and Shizuru…
Suddenly a loud sound resonated throughout her room, that horrible screaming sound of her alarm clock. Her room was dark, very dark; that was the first thing she noticed, the first thing that was so very strange and when she turned around she glared at the clock.
7:00pm
Natsuki did not set her alarm to seven o'clock at night, that was dinner time which could only mean someone else did and the only person Natsuki could think of that would possibly do that was Shizuru. No matter how distant the Kyoto-born seemed to be she always found ways to tease and play her silly little games. When Natsuki loses all hope of seeing those delightful teases, that she surprisingly actually missed, Shizuru seemed to appear out of the darkness and ignite Natsuki's blush. How romantic…?
With a curse the biker loving teen attempted to get off of her bed; only to fall and face-plant onto the carpet as her feet got tangled up in her sheets. Growling Natsuki forced herself up dragging her sheets along the floor until they finally left her foot alone. She grabbed her doorframe as she walked passed and made her way to the dining area. As she walked down the hallway she paused at a mirror hung up against the wall. Its border was thick and gold…. Fancy and rich… just like the Fujino's. Apparently they had known Natsuki's father; whoever the hell that was and agreed to look after her. Shizuru had mentioned if they hadn't Natsuki would have gone to Searrs straight away and been appointed a caregiver. That, to Natsuki, made no sense at all since her mother only worked for Searrs; what did Natsuki have to do with it?
Emerald eyes stared back into emerald eyes examining her appearance. The Fujino's always stayed so proper and clean so Natsuki made a habit of trying to stay as neat and tidy as possible. Her hair wasn't looking the best at the moment; she didn't care but she knew Shizuru's parents would notice. Cursing inwardly the teenager turned around and made her way back to her room and grabbed a few hair ties. She swiftly put her hair up into a ponytail which seemed to get rid of the overall kinks and frizzed hair strands. Secretly she did it because she knew Shizuru would notice; the ruby eyed woman always seemed to detect any changes within the emerald eyed teenager and it made Natsuki feel prised.
Five minutes later Natsuki found herself at the door to the dining room, with a brave sigh she opened it up and found four figures eating quietly; one was Shizuru who Natsuki always looked too first but the Kyoto-born did not meet Natsuki's eyes; the others were Shizuru's mother, father and uncle.
"S-sorry I'm late" mumbled Natsuki trying not too blush as red and deep brown eyes all looked up to meet her. No matter how long Natsuki lived here she would never get use to eating in silence like this.
Shizuru's mother shifted and dabbed her mouth with a napkin before speaking "It is all right Natsuki-san" she gestured to the chair opposite her and the teenager walked around the table and sat down. To Natsuki's right sat Shouhei; Shizuru's uncle and to Natsuki's left sat Shizuru. Hideo, Shizuru's father, sat opposite his brother.
Natsuki looked down at her dinner and her stomach was immediately hungry; so very hungry that she just wanted to inhale this meal! Of course she was restricted to do so, on the first few months of staying with the Fujino's Natsuki had been drilled and battered in the proper etiquette. Shizuru's mother, Jun, had made sure of that. So carefully Natsuki began to eat trying to remember everything she had been taught, it seemed so unnatural to her, even though she had been doing it now for six long years. The Fujino's had been very compliant and resilient to Natsuki's habits and rebellious stages. They had been kind but strict, friendly but distant and always seemed most welcoming and humane. Of course at first they appeared to be alien… with strange customs and strange rules but eventually Natsuki had warmed up to them and them to Natsuki. They were the strangest family Natsuki had ever met - The only family that Natsuki ever met – but it made her feel safe and treasured.
The Fujino's were all tied into Searrs; they were very rich and supplied Searrs with a large number of sponsors; basically if the Fujino's sponsored something, everyone else did as well. That was why Shizuru had learnt to fight so early on, learnt the way of the naginata, and was assigned one small mission; to protect Natsuki within the Fujino Estate – her family was highly regarded by Searrs and received the best protection from outside invaders. Of course once Shizuru turned eighteen and finally graduated she became a full time Searrs member, Natsuki had seen her I.D once and it had said she was a member of Team Bravo and that her rank was Hime. Once this happened of course Natsuki had seen less and less of Shizuru and had begun to delve into childhood members of when they had been together.
Now that Shizuru was older she was allowed to leave the Fujino Estate and live wherever she needed but the ruby eyed beauty still stayed. Natsuki wanted to believe that it was for her sake but she had never worked up the nerve to ask for fear that it was for something else, for fear that her true feelings would be revealed to the Kyoto-born.
Everyone finished their meals and now waited for the emerald eyed teenager who really wanted to rush but had no choice but to take her time. Once she was finished everyone excused themselves and Natsuki just sat there, she was very aware of Shizuru getting up and leaving and once she heard the door close she let sadness envelope her features.
"Ara ara… what has my Natsuki so upset?" whispered the voice so very close to Natsuki's ear that she felt the tickling of Shizuru's warm breath on her skin.
Emerald eyes widened in surprise and she felt a hand twist its ways into her ponytail and twirl it between delicate fingers. Natsuki blushed and her body tensed
"Sh-shizuru…?" she fumbled turning the Kyoto-born's name into a question "I thought you left"
The chestnut haired woman seemed to ignore her questioning sentence and focused all her attention on Natsuki's hair. Slowly that familiar smell of Shizuru entered Natsuki's nose and she had no idea what to do. It had been a long time since the brown headed goddess had paid so much attention to her client - ex-client. Now that Natsuki was older and had 'settled' in the Fujino Estate, Searrs had deemed protection unnecessary.
"Natsuki graduates soon" replied the Kyoto-born tugging on the emerald eyed teenager's hair ties and pulling them down her midnight tresses gently until Natsuki's hair fell onto her shoulders. The emerald eyed girl swallowed and tried to turn to face Shizuru. A hand cupped the back of her shoulder stopping her "…I am sorry"
Natsuki tried to shift her eyes in the hopes of meeting deep ruby but all she could see was chestnut tresses and soft freshly cleaned skin "What are you talking about Shizuru?" the hand on her shoulder flexed its fingers tightening around Natsuki's limb.
"I left you for too long…" replied Shizuru running her hand through midnight tresses "…or has Natsuki not noticed the lack of my presence?"
Quickly the teenager twisted around in her seat and Shizuru stood up straight. They finally met each other's eyes, Shizuru's shimmering mischief and Natsuki's reflecting utter bewilderment "Baka I notice when you walk out of a room!" immediately she blushed realising what she had said "I d-didn't mean it like t-that!" she flailed her hands frantically in front of her as if trying to wave away her words only to have two palms grip her own gently. Shizuru's face lowered and was now very close to Natsuki's who instinctively moved back as far as her body would let her without falling off of her seat; blushing.
"Ara ara…" uttered Shizuru placing the emerald eyed girl's hands on the back of the chair with her own on top "… Natsuki is a liar she did not even notice whether or not I had left a few minutes ago"
"B-baka" replied Natsuki turning her head to the side only to hear Shizuru giggle and move away once again. The warmth of the Kyoto-born's hands left Natsuki's and emerald eyes turned towards where Shizuru once was. The chestnut haired woman was now making her way out of the dining room. The door opened and she twisted around meeting Natsuki's eyes.
"Is Natsuki coming or is she going to make the maids wait until midnight?"
Without a second thought the bike loving teen jumped up and followed Shizuru down the many halls of Fujino Estate like a second shadow. They walked out of one of the buildings and roamed the gardens, walking over a small bridge before finding themselves at the large lake or as Natsuki called it when she was younger 'the Fujino Garden Pond'. The moons light reflected off the rippling water and the two figures came to a halt amongst the flowers that bloomed all around the water's edge. They stood there in silence for a while side by side.
Natsuki was the first to rupture the silence "So…" she uttered kicking her foot on the ground and putting her hands in her pockets "…how are you?"
Shizuru faced her amused; "Busy as always" laughed the Kyoto-born "Searrs is very… demanding of my time, it will soon be like that for Natsuki"
The midnight haired teenager huffed "Great" she frowned thinking for a moment about Shizuru's previous appearance and all the times she had come home without a word; exhausted from her work. Sometimes Shizuru would not even come home at all and would stay far away for days on end just because of the pressure and demand put on Searrs and her own team "Is it hard on you?"
"I handle myself very well if that is what Natsuki is asking"
"No… I mean…you don't have to work with them do you?" questioned the teenager "If it's so stressful you could just quit" she looked at the ruby eyed beauty as she bent down and picked up a small stone rubbing the dirt off of it with her fingers. Natsuki attempted to skim it along the water's surface but it plumped down into the depths as soon as it touched the lake. The teenagers face fell immediately.
"It is not quite that easy…" smiled Shizuru looking back at the lake "I am a Hime; it is my duty to protect my family and humanity. If everyone thought that way no one would be safe and by now even Fujino Estate would be overrun by blood seekers"
"Right..." mumbled Natsuki watching the water ripple where her rock had sunk feeling like an idiot. She squatted down to the ground and picked up another pebble; pushing herself up with the strength of her legs and once again twiddling the nugget between her fingers "You mentioned that to me once before…- Hime-…what exactly is it?" asked the midnight haired teen throwing the stone along the rippling water once more, it skipped two, three – four times.
"Natsuki… let us not talk about these things" sighed the Kyoto-born "I do not want you to worry about Searrs in your last few months of freedom"
Natsuki turned towards the beautiful woman and pulled her classic hurt puppy dog face she only used on the chestnut haired goddess "Come on Shizuru please~" she begged "I want to have an edge against the new recruits!" the bike loving teen punched the air in front of her with confidence.
The woman closed her eyes and a smile graced her lips "It is unusual for Natsuki to plead so submissively"
Immediately the emerald eyed girl blushed at the tease usually Shizuru would not insult her when she requested certain things because the chestnut haired beauty always enjoyed Natsuki's expression and was afraid that it would disappear.
"Baka…" growled Natsuki turning away and crossing her arms to try and shield herself from embarrassment. Shizuru laughed and apologized.
"We are… a secret weapon against those who crave for blood" answered the Kyoto-born her expression growing serious "Searrs decided that if blood was so priceless to them that blood would be their very weakness. A common field agent's blood just hinders a craver but a Hime's blood is fatal…"
"I see…" frowned Natsuki "How does that work exactly-
Before Natsuki could continue they were interrupted by approaching footsteps, Shizuru was the first to turn around and Natsuki followed her gaze. Out of the darkness appeared an angry looking woman with blonde hair and bright eyes. She wore a strange green outfit and green orbs immediately noticed the gun strapped to her belt buckle. Natsuki was very aware of Shizuru turning right around to face this individual quite casually; they were acquainted.
"Haruka-san" greeted Shizuru with a smile and the tilt of her head
"Cut the act bubuzuke!" snapped the blonde tightening her fists at her sides, her face had completely changed from calm and collected to one that was insulted and in rage. Natsuki had no idea how this could have happened all Shizuru had said was a name "It's Suzushiro-san to you!"
"My apologies Suzushiro-san" smiled Shizuru and Natsuki's eyes snapped to her face. Did Shizuru just admit defeat? No she was messing with her. The midnight haired teenager fought back a laugh as Shizuru spoke "What brings you to Fujino Estate?"
"We have a mission early in the morning" twitched the blond angrily "Harada-san and the others have retired to one of your many unnecessary rooms" the blonde's eyes snapped to Natsuki and emerald eyes glared back at this intruder "What's with the squirt?" she pointed a finger towards the biker who flinched angrily at the nickname. The midnight haired teen was about to retort but closed her mouth when Shizuru spoke.
"This is Natsuki" explained Shizuru waving her hand towards the teenager "She will be a recruit in a few months"
"Whatever" muttered the woman turning around and walking back the way she came "Just be ready in the morning and make sure everything you need is packed in the jeep!" she ordered leaving them alone once again.
Natsuki stared into the darkness where the blonde had disappeared deep in thought. Shizuru was leaving again… what if this time she never came back? What if this was the last time Natsuki would see her?
"Say… Shizuru" murmured the dark haired teen "Can I come with you?" asked the biker turning towards her companion and locking her green orbs with Shizuru's red ones. The chestnut haired woman seemed to jump at the question completely caught off guard. Her eyes were shocked for a moment, worried then resolute, before turning serious.
"No Natsuki" Shizuru's tone was so strong and determined it made the emerald eyed girl look her over for a moment unsure of herself. The beautiful woman stepped closer to the teenager who was now on the back foot as Shizuru came closer and grabbed her below her shoulders squeezing her arms gently "I could not bear the thought of putting you in danger"
"But I'm going to end up working with Searrs anyway" explained Natsuki "… what better way than to have my first encounter with you there"
The Kyoto-born considered Natsuki's words for a moment taking a step back and releasing her comforting hold on the blue haired individual "Yes, but I would never be able to forgive myself if Natsuki got hurt" replied the woman softly "It is getting late…I think it is best if we retire for the night"
"A-ah…" voiced Natsuki in surprise before blushing slightly at her next question "but… well… could I see you more S-shizuru?"
Shizuru met her eyes and gave her a warm gentle smile "I will try my hardest to accompany Natsuki"
...
...
The sky was dark and grey and rain was pouring down like a blanket all around. Lightning flashed up high cutting a pattern into the clouds followed by the roar of thunder. Fujino Estate was empty and quiet this morning. Natsuki stood on one of the patios and stared at the black jeep in the courtyard parked on the cobblestones. Figures moved around it loading bags and equipment Natsuki did not recognise, the only thing she did notice was Shizuru's wrapped up naginata being carefully loaded into the back. The individuals around the vehicle were all yelling and wearing dark black rain coats. The back of the jeep was shut and two individuals dived into the car.
The vehicle roared to life and the lights flicked on as the tires slowly began to move squishing the pebbles in its path. The driver made a U-turn and to Natsuki's surprise the jeep pulled up next to her and the window smoothly went down to reveal Shizuru's face. Emerald eyes widened as Shizuru smiled at her and opened the door up beckoning Natsuki to join them. Without another thought Natsuki jumped off of the deck splashing the water that had collected on the ground in all directions. She climbed into the vehicle as Shizuru slid to the other side to make room for her. As the teenager sat down Shizuru leaned over her and pulled the door shut.
"I still think this is a bad idea…" grumbled a familiar voice which Natsuki recognised as the blonde's from last night "How could you even agree to this Yukino!" the angry woman seemed to be directing her comment to the driver; a meek looking individual with scruffy brown hair and glasses. The girl at the wheel just smiled timidly and began to drive again.
"Relax Suzushiro-san" interrupted a deeper voice from behind Natsuki "… she is only going to be in the apartment"
Emerald eyes turned around to see the stranger who spoke; it was a rather tall tomboyish individual with short black hair. The raincoats they had all been wearing previously had been shoved to one side revealing that the tomboy behind the biker was actually wearing a suit.
As dark eyes met emerald the tomboy directed all her attention on the newcomer "OH what's this?" uttered the woman "… a cute girl Fujino-san~"
The tomboy leaned forward in her seat to have a look at Natsuki who leaned away; blushing "Who are these people Shizuru?" she demanded feeling uncomfortable
"AH!" gasped the woman in the back clutching her chest and falling back onto her seat "Fujino-san does not even speak of us, my heart is eternally broken!"
"Ara ara it is okay Natsuki" reassured Shizuru "These are my teammates, we work together to protect a lot of people, this is Harada Chie" Shizuru pointed to the girl at the back who smiled and winked at the emerald eyed girl "… and that is Suzushiro Haruka and Kikukawa Yukino"
Haruka looked back at the sound of her name and met Natsuki's eyes for a brief moment before directing her gaze back to the direction the jeep was travelling in; which was now outside of the Fujino Estate.
"This is Kuga Natsuki" smiled Shizuru and the emerald eyed girl felt naked and exposed as her identity was revealed.
"Ah Kuga?" gasped the blonde "Like Kuga Saeko? The Kuga Saeko?"
"Hai" uttered Shizuru with her constant smile; Natsuki could tell the girl was now trying to cut the conversation short for Natsuki's own sake knowing well that Natsuki did not like her identity to be revealed unnecessarily.
Unfortunately the excitement of accompanying Shizuru seemed to fade away and now the emerald eyed girl felt uneasy in this strange version of a jeep. She was going to an unknown location and had not been given the chance to ask where they were going and whether or not Shizuru's family knew that Natsuki was going with Shizuru. The emerald eyed girl guessed that it was the latter due to Suzushiro's reluctance on the idea.
A soft hand was placed onto Natsuki's affectionately and the emerald eyed girl stared at the sudden warmth that enveloped the back of her hand. Shizuru's hand was on top of hers; squeezing it gently. The cobalt haired girl tried not to blush at the contact not knowing that Shizuru was not doing it as a friend comforting another friend.
Both girls had never voiced their feelings to each other before however, well not their true feelings. They were always too scared to test the waters, too scared to break what they did not want to be broken.
Emerald eyes flicked towards Shizuru's face but those crimson eyes just kept looking forward as they drove on through the wet in silence. Natsuki took this time to observe where they were, they passed a lot of houses and buildings but she did not recognise any of them. It had always been rare for the teenager to leave Fujino Estate. The only time she ever did was when she had to go to and from school. Which, to her delight, she was going to be missing if this so called mission involved an apartment.
Of course her little trip was not what she had expected. They arrived at a town a few miles away from a small village that had apparently been overrun. The first two days consisted of Natsuki playing video games in their small temporary apartment, being home schooled by a tired Shizuru and being taught different fighting styles by Harada Chie. It also involved constant yelling from the so called Suzushiro Haruka and a lot of healthy meals for Natsuki; courtesy of Shizuru, whilst the rest of Shizuru's team had takeout.
Finally on the third day Shizuru decided to take Natsuki out to a secure part of the village the team had already cleaned up; the rest of the team decided to put up surveillance cameras during the day.
The emerald eyed girl's shoe hit the concrete footpath causing the puddle to scatter its water droplets in all directions. The individual was running fast; gasping for air. Their head whipped back down the road searching for whatever was pursuing them. When they turned to look ahead they screeched to a halt; a sharp object touching their throat.
Natsuki cursed as her companions naginata was at her neck
"Argh!" she growled in frustration pulling at her hair
"Natsuki did very well this time" commented the accented voice. Shizuru's head tilted to the side with a smile, her chestnut tresses swaying at the small movement.
"Whatever Shizuru!" uttered the cobalt haired girl kicking the water on the footpath "You say that all the time and I never finish, you always catch me! Why can't you just lose for once baka?"
"Ara that would defeat the purpose Na-tsu-ki" smiled the chestnut haired beauty once again, tilting her head upright "I cannot simply just let Natsuki win, then I would be worried about her safety all the time; this way Natsuki will be fast enough to get away and I will be content knowing she can outsmart her enemy" Shizuru shifted her weight onto her right foot and tucked her weapon behind her back holding it with one hand to the side.
"Ah I am tired of running!" the emerald eyed girl sighed "Why can't we do more naginata training like we use to?" as Natsuki said this she pointed at the weapon in question
"Natsuki knows the answer to that question" smiled Shizuru tilting her head to the side once again with her unwavering smile. Her eyes closed and her expression was almost apologetic even though she seemed so blissful. They opened to find a fuming Natsuki.
"Oh yeah and what is that?" demanded the girl crossing her arms and glaring at those crimson eyes that seemed to see right through her. The older girl's chestnut hair was darker than usual; damp from the rain. Her clothes were also drenched. They wouldn't have been out here but Natsuki had insisted and Shizuru had promised to teach her something… of course the emerald eyed girl did not expect the teaching to involve constant running… "Enlighten me"
"Natsuki is really bad at it of course"
The emerald eyed girl face palmed and was about to say something when they were interrupted by a strange noise. Emerald eyes flicked up the road over Shizuru's shoulder. The Kyoto-born turned as well and stared into the misty sheet of the rain. A blur appeared in a distance, it was a black smudge in the horrible lighting, but as it neared it's edges became more square and sharp. A dark charcoal jeep was heading towards them. It's thick tires split the wet in the road as its engine revved powerfully. The jeeps horn beeped as it pulled up next to them and the door flung open; Haruka stepped out her eyebrows meeting in the middle.
"Bubuzuke!" she bellowed "What do you think you're going?"
"Ah it's 'doing' Haruka-chan" uttered a voice from inside the car
"WHATEVER!" she screamed directing her shout inside the vehicle before facing the two girls on the footpath "We need to get moving now, get in!"
The next thing Natsuki knew she was pulled into the jeep by Shizuru's soft grip on her arm. The leather beneath Natsuki's pants screeched as she made herself comfortable inside the car putting her belt on.
"Hey Natsuki-chan~" sang Harada Chie who was peeping over the midnight haired girl's shoulder from the far back seat
"… I honestly don't know what Searrs was thinking appointing the bubuzuke into our unit…" rambled the blonde sitting at the front of the jeep next to the driver; Yukino.
"Ara it is because I told them Suzushiro-san enjoys my company so much" smiled the Kyoto-born causing the blonde at the front to growl in frustration and cross her arms
Suddenly a scratching sound was heard at the front of the vehicle followed by a click. A computer screen turned on at the front of the car that Natsuki had not noticed before
"Ah we have some new data" commented Kikukawa "One of our traps has been triggered"
"Looks like you are going to be staying with us Natsuki-chaaannn!" explained Chie with excitement and Natsuki immediately felt like she had been thrown into a situation she had never expected or prepared for.
"Just stay in the car okay Natsuki?" uttered Shizuru's soothing voice placing a hand on top of Natsuki's own.
"H-hai" murmured the cobalt haired girl nervously.
"It looks like our sensors picked up activity at the harbour" explained Haruka "I hope you are prepared bubuzuke"
The jeep's lights hit the falling ran drops as they continued into the night, heading towards the thirteen warehouses stationed along the dock. Natsuki did not feel really well, her stomach felt empty and bile was beginning to collect inside her throat; she wanted to vomit. She didn't know what she would see but she knew it wasn't going to be good… could she really face the creature that had killed her mother? Could she really let Shizuru go out there? She wanted to be strong and she wanted to protect people… people like Shizuru. The emerald eyed girl glanced over to the chestnut haired teenager who seemed so perfectly calm; like she was in her element.
Natsuki did not want to stay in the jeep by herself, and that very thought made her feel like such a coward. Her eyes went down to her knees and she lifted up her free right hand and stared at the inside of her palm. Her fingers flexed and she was brought out of her thoughts by the one sitting by her side.
"Here" uttered Shizuru handing Natsuki over a black case "It is for Natsuki"
"OI!" yelled Haruka "You can't give her THAT!"
Natsuki gripped the case with both hands; missing Shizuru's contact on her left hand immediately. She put the dark case on her lap and unclipped the two latches. Lifting the top of the case up her eyes widened; inside sat two strange looking pistols. Her green eyes shot up to meet Shizuru's.
"Are you sure giving her that is a good idea…I might have to report it you know…" murmured Chie mostly to herself but with the intent of letting everyone hear
Emerald just watched crimson and Shizuru closed the case on top of Natsuki's lap, "It is only for when you really need it" explained the Kyoto-born "I want to know Natsuki is safe without me"
"T-thank you" whispered the cobalt haired girl looking down at the case as the jeep began to slow down. Her stomach felt even emptier at Shizuru's last words and two seconds later the car was standing still. Natsuki swallowed nervously as she heard a door open; Haruka jumped out and went to the back to open up the boot where Chie conveniently jumped out from. The tomboy grabbed a sheathed katana while Haruka grabbed Shizuru's naginata and her own revolvers.
A hand cupped Natsuki's cheek forcing the cobalt haired girl to look into red, "Kikukawa-san will be staying here with you Na-tsu-ki" explained the chestnut haired woman; the way Shizuru said her name and the very sound of Shizuru's voice made Natsuki's heart skip a beat.
"Sh-shizuru…" Natsuki mumbled desperately wanting to tell the Kyoto-born to stay; to not leave her; for them just to go home.
Whilst Natsuki struggled with her inner self something changed in Shizuru's eyes. They began to shimmer and grow dark as they stared into green emeralds. Natsuki's cheek felt so warm with Shizuru's hand sitting there holding her and before she knew it the Kyoto-born was leaning towards Natsuki. The cobalt haired teenager was startled as Shizuru's face came closer…
Closer…
…And Closer…
Natsuki's eyes widened as soft lips made contact with her forehead. For a moment time froze. Natsuki's heart started beating at a rapid pace that if a doctor examined her they would say she would be dead in five seconds. The only thing the emerald eyed girl managed to do was twitch her fingers on the leather seats and stay as still as a statue. Then her cheeks turned red; embarrassed that she thought Shizuru was actually going to kiss her on the lips. Those soft gentle lips left Natsuki's forehead and for one moment the Kyoto-born was there and then she was gone.
Natsuki felt lost without her and it was too late to stop her, so emerald eyes watched as the three figures walked down the alley into the darkness whilst the rain began to pour even harder.
"Haruka-chan can you hear me"uttered the girl in front of Natsuki as the emerald eyed teen tucked the case Shizuru had given her under her feet.
"Hai"replied a voice from a small speaker at the front of the jeep"You sound far though Yukino"
"The rain must be interfering with our reception"rationalised the timid girl "Please be extra careful"
Silence lingered for about three minutes but it felt like hours for Natsuki. All she could think about was Shizuru and what was out there in the darkness. Then suddenly the silence was interrupted…
"Target spotted"Shizuru's voice entered the jeep's interior and Natsuki immediately gripped the front seat where Yukino was seated at the sound of the beauty's voice "It's about-they were hit with static and Natsuki leaned even more forward.
"What happened?" she asked
Yukino glanced back at the girl "Services must be down, don't worry, Fujino-san is very good, nothing bad will happen to her" reassured the modest woman "We have three Himes currently in Team Bravo so there is nothing to worry about Kuga-san"
"Ugh?" grunted Natsuki "Three Himes?"
Yukino frowned and stared at Natsuki as if she was insane "… hai… Fujino-san, Haruka-chan and myself"
Natsuki frowned and was deep in thought for a moment "What is a Hime exactly?" questioned the emerald eyed girl "I know that they have unique blood but how were they created… how many are there and why not make everyone a Hime?"
Now it was Yukino's turn to frown even more at the blue haired individual "There are twelve of us and we are superior physically and mentally when compared to the general human population… according to Searrs anyway" explained Yukino "… I'm not sure if I am the right person to tell you this Kuga-san, I thought you would know all about Himes since your mother was the scientist that discovered them"
"S-she was?" gasped Natsuki and Yukino met her eyes. It seemed the short haired girl was contemplating on whether to keep talking or whether Natsuki was being serious or not.
"Yes… were you not told?"
"No I barely knew anything about mothers work" explained Natsuki "I did not think it was that important"
Yukino laughed "Well her work was very important, she wanted to save humanity from these creatures of the night, so she created a serum that changed our DNA, our genetic code, of course I do not know all the details, but I do know that Himes – we - are important to the survival of human kind and that no Hime can be turned into a vampire; when a blood-seeker tastes our blood they die"
"What do you mean?"
"Well… Haruka-chan was bitten once…" murmured the girl her eyes going dark as she thought back to the incident "The creature only got to her for a second before I intervened. When I managed to pull Haruka away the enemy had turned to stone"
"Cool!" gasped Natsuki "So Himes can turn those monsters into stone? So my mother was a hero?"
Yukino tried to laugh but the girl did not find it the least bit funny or amazing "You could say that, but not all blood-seekers are turned to stone; Hime blood is very unique therefore our blood has a different affect" she replied "But anyway, after that, Searrs wanted to get rid of Haruka right then and there; usually the change is instant; but when Haruka did not change it was a scientific breakthrough"
"I see" mumbled Natsuki "Why don't they give the serum to everyone? That way the whole world could be Himes"
Yukino looked out the window, making sure she couldn't see Natsuki in the slightest "Well it only seemed to work on girls… and they did try the serum out on more than just twelve of us… there was a total of one hundred and twenty four subjects…" sighed Yukino sadly "I should probably not tell you this, it is not my place"
Natsuki frowned "Tell me" demanded Natsuki "I want to know. I need to know everything about my mother" and everything about Shizuru thought the emerald eyed girl
"… well only twelve of the subjects were a success" expressed Yukino "The one hundred and twelve others showed strange symptoms… vampiric symptoms… insane symptoms… all sorts of strange things at such a young and small age… they had a thirst for blood but had no sharp teeth or biological differences than that of a simple human being"
"I see…"
"Some showed no symptoms at all but Searrs had no choice but to get rid of them"
"What?" yelled Natsuki "So they killed them?"
"Hai" nodded Yukino "They are the most powerful company in the world and the only company that can experiment on the human genome… everything is a lot easier for them when they can just make a decision without any consequences. The world just agreed to it because no one else knew how to defeat the blood-seekers at the time, well no one handled it better than Searrs"
"That's…"
"Yeah" Yukino sighed repositioning her glasses "Searrs did keep a few of the subjects that showed no symptoms for a while in hopes that they would turn out to be Himes. The parents of these children were ecstatic…but once one of them showed psychotic symptoms and a thirst for blood they decided to get rid of the rest once and for all"
"How did they know you would not turn against them as well?" questioned Natsuki
"They didn't, but since our blood was such a rare weapon they could not afford to just give up on the twelve girls that were such a success" stated the girl "We were the only ones that had the blood to kill a vampire, blood that could not even be harvested… once it is it's just useless"
"That doesn't make sense…" commented Natsuki "… sounds impossible"
"What's impossible is that you had no idea about it"
"What do you mean?" questioned Natsuki completely confused
"Because… Kuga-san…you are also a Hime"
Natsuki fell back onto her previous seat in shock… it couldn't be… Natsuki's mother would never experiment on her only daughter… not to mention herself.
She sat there numbly unknowingly staying like that for the next forty six minutes.
A bang brought her back to reality and she looked through the front window of the jeep down the alley; it was too dark and she couldn't see a thing. Suddenly the jeep lights turned on and a shadow was standing in front of the car, its arms were long and hands claw like.
Natsuki gasped remembering where she was and that Yukino was with her.
Bang
Natsuki looked up and realized the loud noise was coming from the roof; something was on top of them.
Suddenly a clawed hand smashed through the window and Natsuki screamed forcing herself to scramble to the left side of the jeep. Yukino did the same and was now crouching on Haruka's seat. The scruffy haired girl leapt outside leaving Natsuki alone in the vehicle.
Abruptly the door Natsuki was leaning against vanished from behind her and she was yanked out with such rapid force she did not have time to take any air into her lungs. Something gripped her around the chest and she thought back to what Shizuru had said about running.
She fought with all her might trying to escape her attacker only to be thrown behind them.
Emerald eyes widened realizing it was Shizuru that had previously been holding her. The chestnut haired woman stepped in front of the younger girl protectively as the creature on the roof stood up and watched the naginata in the Kyoto-born's hand.
"Stay behind me Natsuki" ordered Shizuru and the creature leapt up into the air towards them.
"Shizuru!" screamed Natsuki instinctively fearing for the older girl's life
The creatures head flew passed Natsuki a second later and the young girl shook violently at the sight of death. It was the enemy… but … it was still killing; still death.
Another creature appeared only to be shot in the temple. Natsuki's head whipped around to see Haruka standing with Yukino and Chie. Her green eyes spotted five more shadows in the distance behind them and she gasped.
"B-behind y-you!" yelled Natsuki and the trio swiftly spun around
Haruka turned to Natsuki and frowned "What are you talking about, I don't see anything!"
"T-they're coming!" screamed Natsuki desperately pointing in the direction she was looking "Five… no six… eight!"
"She is right Haruka-chan!" bellowed Chie "I see something! Prepare yourselves… they all seem to be Category C – Blood-cravers!"
"W-what's going on" cried Natsuki "How come there are so many!"
Natsuki felt herself being lifted by Shizuru's firm grip; the girl's hand was not as gentle as usual and when Natsuki looked at her face she had a cut on her lip and a small slice on her cheek.
"Stay next to the jeep" ordered Shizuru giving Natsuki a small push backwards.
The emerald eyed girl watched in horror as Shizuru ran towards the oncoming shadows with her companions. She needed to help them… there were too many… the pistols! Thought Natsuki and just as she was about to turn around and grab them her feet were swept out from underneath her towards the bottom of the car. Her head cracked onto the pavement instantly creating a laceration and her eyes to fill up with black smudges. As soon as she hit the ground she was swiftly pulled under the vehicle and out the other side. She felt herself being flipped over roughly and she looked up to meet whatever it was that had grabbed her.
"AHHHH!" she screamed in horror at the horrible creature above her. Its limbs and legs were abnormally long and its skin dark and rotten. Its teeth were sharp and had multiple rows. Those teeth soon met her arm and it was as if thousands of needles had pierced Natsuki's tense muscles all at once. She noticed more of the creatures around her… five… she thought… no… seven… no- and then she gave in to the darkness.
...
...
When Natsuki awoke she was in a white room surrounded by curtains and strange equipment. She blinked once and then twice before her last memory hit her malfunctioning brain. She shot up like a bullet and regretted it immediately; a sharp pain hit her head and she lifted her hand up to grip her forehead. Her fingers touched multiple layers of bandages and a cool breeze seemed to tickle her bare back. Wait… bare back?
Emerald eyes looked down and realised that she was completely nude. Immediately feeling vulnerable Natsuki pulled the blanket over her chest and turned red glad no one had seen her.
"Ara ara…" uttered the voice "Natsuki looks well…"
Green orbs shot to the right and Natsuki realised that there was another bed next to hers housing a very weak and pale looking Shizuru.
"SHIZURU!" yelled Natsuki before wincing at the pain that erupted in her head. Not only that but her body had moved towards the girl on her left and caused multiple aches all throughout Natsuki's own body.
"Natsuki be careful" warned Shizuru "… and as much as I enjoy seeing Natsuki's young naked body, she does need her rest…"
Emerald eyes looked down once again and Natsuki realised she had let go of the sheets. Her face became as red as a tomato and she dived right under the blankets covering even the top of her head. She heard a chuckle and then a series of coughs forcing her to peek out from under the covers at the choking Shizuru.
Natsuki pushed her whole head out "Are you okay?" she asked with worry
"As long as Natsuki is okay I will be most excellent" teased the Kyoto-born
"Shizuru!" scolded the younger girl "You know what I mean"
"Hai hai I am alright Natsuki, I just need time to recover"
Emerald eyes looked over the girl opposite her. Natsuki noticed a patch on Shizuru's neck and bandages all over her left arm; the rest she couldn't see because Shizuru was almost completely emerged in her sheets.
"Shizuru… what happened?"
"Oi! No talking!" yelled a new and much angrier voice. Natsuki's eyes shot towards the curtains that now whipped open and met brown maple eyes "You should be recovering from your wounds, no chit chat!"
"Er…"
"I am Doctor Youko" explained the woman brushing the sleeve of her lab-coat "I work for Searrs and tend to Team Alpha, Bravo and Echo and yes I skipped Charlie and Delta on purpose so don't give me that look; you are currently at one of our temporary clinics" she grabbed the clipboard at the end of Natsuki's bed and looked it over, constantly flipping from the front page to the second page "You are lucky Fujino-san decided to put herself on the line for you"
Natsuki shot Shizuru a look but those crimson eyes had shifted to the roof without Natsuki's knowledge.
The doctor put Natsuki's clipboard down and in turn went over to Shizuru and looked hers over "… and you Fujino-san are stupid enough to jump into a group of blood-cravers without a seconds thought"
Natsuki stared even more at Shizuru trying to catch her attention but the Kyoto-born was obviously avoiding those emerald eyes.
Youko made her way towards Shizuru and helped her sit up slightly. The doctor put some gloves on and peeled back the bandage on Shizuru's neck a little.
"Hmm… for a Hime you sure lost a lot of blood" commented the doctor "Your wounds are going to take some time to heal… if you had lost this much blood as someone like me you would have died three times now" the doctor allowed Shizuru to lie down again and took off her gloves "Mou… these young Himes are going to drive me up the wall… so young but so violent and reckless"
"How are my friends?" questioned Shizuru
"Your friends are fine… a few scratches and bruises here and there" Youko sighed "Harada-san I believe is filling out reports as we speak… poor girl must be feeling worse than I am; she has to deal with you lot on the field… I am glad that you did not manage to get her killed however, her auntie would have my head" the doctor pulled the curtains closed and left Natsuki and Shizuru in private "Now rest up and not a sound!"
Natsuki slipped her feet over the edge of the bed catching Shizuru's attention. The younger girl kept the sheets wrapped around her and slowly slipped onto the ground. She winced as pain erupted through her left arm and her right waste. Her legs immediately felt like jelly when she tried to support herself. Struggling for balance the emerald eyed girl managed to stay upright and took a few hesitant steps towards Shizuru before taking the last five and climbing up next to the older girl.
"Natsuki?" questioned Shizuru as soft midnight locks brushed against her face. Natsuki curled up next to the older girl ignoring the pain that pulsed through her body. She used her weak arm to spread her own sheets over Shizuru's so that the older girl had extra warmth.
Shizuru relaxed at the contact of Natsuki's body; they weren't directly touching but the crimson eyed girl could feel Natsuki's half naked form through the sheets. They both lay there silently taking in each other's presence before Natsuki interrupted the quiet room with a soft whisper
"You sacrificed yourself for me… didn't you Shizuru?" murmured Natsuki meekly. The emerald eyed girl waited for a reply and after about a minute she heard that wonderful voice that had broken through to her numb body when she had lost her mother.
"Natsuki is most precious to me…" replied the crimson eyed girl and it was my fault you were there in the first place…
"Mmm…" agreed Natsuki indicating that she shared the same feelings towards Shizuru who shivered for just a moment.
Natsuki lifted her head to look up at the older girl "…Shizuru?"
"… It seems that I am cold" whispered Shizuru closing her eyes in an attempt to fight off another chill.
Natsuki found herself wrapping her injured arm around Shizuru's stomach but very carefully; she wasn't sure where the older girl was hurt. It was a small attempt to keep Shizuru warmer "Better?" asked the innocent teenager only to feel another chill pulse through Shizuru.
"Ara maybe Natsuki should come and join me"
"What are you talking about Shizuru?" questioned Natsuki in confusion "I am right here" she squeezed the older teen gently before it dawned on her that the brunette meant under the covers; Natsuki's face became a red beacon of light.
"Oh…t-that…" stuttered the midnight haired girl only to hear Shizuru's beautiful soft laugh
"I am just teasing Natsuki"
"I… I k-know that!" snapped the emerald eyed girl defensively trying but failing at her attempt to hide her embarrassment.
Natsuki did not know when she had drifted off but when she awoke Shizuru was lying on her side holding Natsuki. Shizuru's right arm was wrapped around the younger girl's waste and the second thing Natsuki noticed besides how at peace Shizuru was; was that Shizuru's arm was very cold. Natsuki felt really hot under her blanket and in Shizuru's grasp. How much blood did Shizuru lose exactly?
The eighteen year old heard the sound of the curtains being whipped open and turned around weakly to see who it was.
"Sorry…!" murmured Chie "I didn't mean to interrupt anything…"
Natsuki fought back a blush and weaved her way out of Shizuru's hold into an upright position making sure she held the blanket up high enough to shield her body.
"Y-you didn't interrupt anything!" Natsuki blushed "I w-was just keeping S-Shizuru warm!"
Chie waved at her rapidly "Oh no it's okay you don't have to lie Natsuki-chaaaan~ I completely understand teenage hormones and their urges~"
"B-baka!" screamed Natsuki turning even redder and Chie laughed "What do you want!"
Chie's smile faded and her eyes grew dark "I was just coming to check up on Fujino-san…"
Natsuki looked back at Shizuru with worry noticing the brunette had a struggling expression on her face all of a sudden "Yeah… she is really cold…" she reached out and brushed the girl's hair back from her face and watched Shizuru's expression melt away
Chie walked over to the bedside and put her hands in her pocket "She suffered a lot of bite wounds" explained Chie "…it's my understanding you got bitten twice?"
Natsuki blinked and peeped under the sheets realizing that, that was why her right side was hurting.
"Anyway… Fujino-san heard your scream and immediately left us without a second thought" Chie scratched the back of her head "When we finally managed to get to the both of you all the Category Cs were dead. Five had bled from the inside out, and one of them was completely frozen solid while another had been shattered into frozen shards; the other three had been killed by Fujino-sans naginata"
"What?" gasped Natsuki "Shizuru killed all ten of them by herself?"
"Well no… you killed two of them Natsuki-chan" explained Chie "Thanks to your two bite wounds, but still eight is amazing for someone who has not been in the field for that long"
"Oh… I killed them?"
"Hai don't think about it too much" encouraged Chie "Besides we should really be concerned about how long Fujino-san's recovery will take; she did get bitten seven times"
"S-seven?" gasped Natsuki staring at the brunette before her "But…"
"I guess she managed to kill some of them before her blood took affect" predicted Chie "Anyway she is extremely lucky… I did not even know a Hime could survive such wounds, we almost lost a girl named Shiho to four bite wounds… it was really close… but her muscle tissue has never fully recovered"
Natsuki touched Shizuru's bandaged shoulder hoping that it would not be the same for the brunette. The older girl shifted in her sleep and managed to wrap her arms around Natsuki's waste. The younger teen blushed furiously at the sign of affection and glanced at Chie who immediately turned away and began to whistle.
"I'll be going now!" she gave Natsuki a salute as she walked behind the curtain "You two have fun~"
"W-why do you have to say it like t-that!" growled Natsuki turning back to Shizuru and pulling her arms away.
Crimson eyes shot open and met Natsuki's
"Ara…" uttered Shizuru "Gomen ne Natsuki I was dreaming"
"It's okay…" reassured the emerald eyed teen with a blush still staining her cheeks "H-how are you feeling?"
"Mmmm better now that I see Natsuki in real life, she has much less clothes on"
Natsuki jumped off the bed ignoring the pain that jolted through her body; pulling her blanket with her as her face lit up once again "B-baka!" she yelled "D-don't say such things I was just keeping you warm like a good friend would!"
As time passed Natsuki was finally in less pain, her wounds had not completely healed yet but the tissue and muscles deeper below her skin had repaired wonderfully. As for Shizuru her wounds had completely healed without as much as a scratch. Although she was still pale and suffered from small shivers. Yohko had said each Hime reacts differently when repairing damaged tissues and wounds.
Both girls were busy getting changed in the room that had become their temporary home for the last few months. Natsuki had a blush on her face as always struggling not to look back to make sure Shizuru wasn't looking; she knew if she looked back she would see Shizuru which in turn would make the brunette look at Natsuki. Well insist that to make things even Natsuki had to let Shizuru see her at least half naked again; no way was that going to happen. The older girl enjoyed it way too much.
"Done~" chimed Shizuru and Natsuki stumbled over her jeans; trying to quicken her pace
"I'm n-not! No peeping!"
Once Natsuki was changed she turned around and found that Shizuru was indeed facing the other way she uttered "Done" and the older girl immediately twisted around and met her gaze with a smile.
Soon Natsuki found herself back at the Fujino estate far far away from that clinic and far far away from the location where she had been attacked. Since she had returned she had begun to see less and less of Shizuru once again. The chestnut haired woman was busy recovering from her wounds and the disappointed received from her parents. The Fujino's had been furious when they had discovered Natsuki had been taken off the property and even more furious that Searrs had not provided Team Bravo with enough backup. But currently Natsuki was busy struggling with her own problems at night; constantly being haunted by nightmares.
Some of them even involved her mother and Natsuki's multiple failed attempts at saving her. Usually she would just stay up and in the morning pretend nothing was bothering her but tonight she couldn't do it. She had had enough. So she gently pushed her door open as quietly as possible and slowly made her way to Shizuru's room. The Fujino's had not allowed Natsuki to see the Kyoto-born at all for the first few weeks of their return. Natsuki had no idea why but knew that Shizuru was under constant surveillance. The strange thing was that the security guards and strange scientists did not work for Searrs and the operation had been kept very secret. Mr Fujino had even had a talk with Natsuki on the matter and only left when he was sure the emerald eyed teenager would not say a word about. Once the men in suits left the midnight haired teen felt a lot safer and guessed that they had accomplished their task of making sure Shizuru was okay.
When Natsuki opened up the door she found Shizuru sitting and reading a book in the dark with only the moonlight to guide her eyes – odd. Those eyes flicked up and met Natsuki's. As if caught doing something she shouldn't the brunette closed the book and stood up.
"Natsuki?"
"Sorry Shizuru…" murmured the girl innocently "I haven't been able to sleep well lately"
"Oh would you like to join me?" asked the beautiful girl in the dark gesturing towards her bed
A small blush was painted onto Natsuki's cheek and she was glad that it was too dark for the older girl to see "H-hai"
Five minutes later both girls were tucked under the covers facing opposite ways. Natsuki closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep but her mind was even more awake in Shizuru's bed than it was in her own room. Shizuru's scent infiltrated Natsuki's nose and it made her green eyes grow darker; it was so intoxicating.
Shizuru who was facing the other way also could not sleep, "Is Natsuki tired?"
"No…" mumbled the girl
"Neither" uttered the Kyoto-born and the midnight haired girl's ears twitched at the sound of Shizuru's body turning around. She felt a hand on her back and immediately shuffled her body towards it until she was engulfed by Shizuru's body. The brunette's arms snaked around her firmly and tucked Natsuki further against the soft body behind her. The emerald eyed girl was much too aware of the electric jolts pulsating through her skin.
"Mmmm" hummed Shizuru contently nestling her nose in Natsuki's hair "Maybe this will help"
It did, Natsuki could feel a huge weight of exhaustion hit her and immediately began to nod off. Unfortunately Shizuru was not in the same situation.
Emerald eyes shot open as Natsuki felt a hand snake under her shirt from beneath her waste
"Sh-Shizuru?" gasped Natsuki "W-what are you doing?" she squirmed as Shizuru's left hand tightened her hold around Natsuki's waste bringing Natsuki closer whilst the other continued to weave underneath the bike loving teenagers shirt.
"Shh" whispered the twenty one year old and Natsuki halted in her restraint. Shizuru's spare hand grip her waste tighter so that Natsuki was exactly where Shizuru wanted her to be.
"S-stop" begged Natsuki
Natsuki was lifted so that her back was now on top of Shizuru's front pressing against Shizuru's stomach. Shizuru's left arm was now snaked around Natsuki's own chest while her left hand held Natsuki's shoulder so the girl couldn't move.
The emerald eyed girl shuddered in pleasure or discontent. Natsuki wasn't quite sure what she was feeling, all she knew was that Shizuru was touching her skin.
"Shizuru please…" uttered Natsuki
Shizuru was being way too forward… something wasn't right… Shizuru had never been like this before… Shizuru had only ever wanted to be Natsuki's friend… right? If she wanted to cross the line she would have kissed Natsuki on her lips… not crossed the Great Wall of China and try groping Natsuki's innocence away.
Natsuki immediately hit the soft bed with Shizuru now prowling over her licking her lips hungrily. Emerald eyes stared into dark foggy crimson before staring at Shizuru's mouth as it came ever closer. Natsuki's heart was pounding; she felt trapped, unable to escape Shizuru's advances and before she knew it Shizuru's lips pressed onto the left side of her neck.
At first the lips were soft and gentle; brushing Natsuki's skin and causing the younger girl to squirm and let out a soft moan "Sh-Shizuru" but then a tongue began to trace along Natsuki's jugular and Shizuru latched onto the supple skin; sucking and tugging at it.
Natsuki squirmed and wriggled her legs; rubbing her thighs together as she tried to fight the discomfort of the situation. When she attempted to use her arms to push Shizuru off the red eyed seductress forced Natsuki's hands down onto the bed; locking them down with her own.
Suddenly Shizuru bit down… not the kind of playful love bite that Natsuki expected and not the kind of rough love bite either… but more like a hungry and aching… bite.
Natsuki cried out in pain and suddenly saw that blood-craver leaning over her while she lay on the concrete at the dock. The creature bit her but Natsuki was brought out of her reverie when the mouth assaulted her neck stopped and the body on top of Natsuki's vanished.
When emerald eyes opened Natsuki found Shizuru in the corner of her room curled up with her arms wrapped around her knees and back against the wall. Her chestnut locks had fallen over face and her shoulders were shaking.
The midnight haired teen sat up and looked at the girl from afar not sure whether to approach her or not. At the same time Natsuki's hand reached up and touched her neck to find that she was actually bleeding. She touched her neck again with her right hand and looked at her palm to find that it was smeared with a very thin layer of blood. A whimper was heard in the darkness and green eyes returned to that figure in the corner.
Natsuki got up and made her way to Shizuru, it was pure instinct to go and reassure her most precious person that it was okay. When she reached Shizuru, Natsuki crouched down beside her. The emerald eyed girl saw Shizuru's tears from between those soft chestnut stresses and immediately felt so weak. On impulse Natsuki reached out with her right hand and the whimpering stopped before she even reached Shizuru. Before Natsuki knew it Shizuru had grabbed her hand and was now licking the blood off of her palm as if she had been starving for three days and the liquid was the most amazing meal she had ever tasted. Natsuki gasped as that tongue slipped between her fingers and the licking stopped. Shizuru shot up and walked around Natsuki taking three steps back.
"Natsuki… what… what am I doing?" questioned Shizuru traumatized and stunned at her actions "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!"
Natsuki swallowed not sure how to answer "I… I don't know Shizuru, you must still be unwell" Yeah that was it. Shizuru was still recovering from her wounds and every Hime reacted differently right? "Maybe we should go to bed now; I think you will feel much better in the morning"
The midnight haired girl approached Shizuru once again and lead her back to her bed; tucking her in gently before making her way to the other side of the bed. Just before she was going to climb in Shizuru spoke.
"No Natsuki" she said alarmed "…I think it's best if you go back to your room…"
Natsuki felt a pang of hurt in her chest but didn't know why. Shizuru had just bitten her neck and licked her hand clean of blood and she still didn't find that a turn off? What was wrong with her? The emerald eyed teen reluctantly nodded and went to the door whispering one last goodnight to her precious person.
...
...
Yes this was basically a flash back chapter! I hope no one is disappointed. This hopefully should explain a lot more about the current situation. Of course I decided to introduce new characters which means I have to explain what happened to them or where they are etc and I still haven't explained much about the last characters…. SIGH…. Writing is too complicated!
Note: Haruka is the substitute Hime for Mai
Please REVIEW! Let me know what you think! Do you like it? Hate it?
The last half of the chapter was a bit rushed. So sorry about that
This was originally going to be two chapters but I thought I would treat you guys to an either very annoying or welcoming long chapter - that is also why the dialogue etc seems to change half way through because I always say 'I'll go back to that part and edit it' but I never do... =_= ... damn me and my reliance on my future self!
NEXT CHAPTER: A Newborn's Wrath
