Disclaimer: I don't own MaiHime.
A/N: This is an experiment story. I repeat-- THIS IS AN EXPERIMENT. So please.. don't hate me too much.. hehe..So far the reviews are very very nice and helpful.. you guys just don't know how scared I am everytime I post the next chapter... Reviews may/may not affect the next chapter. Spoilers? -grin- Read on first... )
--
MAKI MAKI
--
--
Chapter 3: Reflect Deflect
--
"You're up…"
Mikoto more of stated it, rather than raised it as a question. She stared at the perplexed Natsuki long before letting out a cat-like grin.
"You seemed to not get any sleep last night…" she commented. The blue haired shook her head lightly as she stood up.
"Let's get going…" Mikoto continued as she motioned the other to follow her plight downstairs. She didn't bother noting the blackened lines below the older girl's eyes, and how Natsuki's hair seemed to gray a little.
"I never thought you could get up this early." Natsuki started.
"Find it hard to believe?"
"Un…"
"I must've grown overnight… or something…" the chuckle at the side.
"I see…"
"Mai is still asleep, but I figured you can't care less about breakfast..." Mikoto lifted a medium-sized bag sitting by the couch. "…But you and me… We are different…" she patted the bag which is obviously carrying some of the left-overs from last night.
Natsuki can only nod.
--
Before they can even step out, a busty orange-head rushed to Natsuki and gave the slightly taller girl a hug. Natsuki wanted to ask if the girl was alright, but that would sound stupid. She opted to just hug back.
"Good luck… I'm… really glad you came back Natsuki. Really. "
The words that should've been said earlier now grazed the young girl's lips. She smiled fondly at the lost soul. She then grabbed Mikoto's slender arm and patted the latter's head, earning her a roughed grump.
"She is more useful now than before, neh?" To which Mai added a hefty laugh. Mikoto smiled warmly then turned to face the blue-haired biker. Natsuki sighed then smiled along. The need to stay quiet was evident; less she wanted Mai to become hysterical again.
Sensing this, Mikoto pushed Mai lightly and motioned at Natsuki.
"I'll be going now." Mikoto whispered lightly; almost too quiet for the other girl to hear. It was only for Mai anyway.
Natsuki stared at Mai then tilted her head. She wanted to say thank you. But she knows it might not be what she really wanted to say at that time. She cannot risk that. With one last grin, she turned her heel and marched ahead of Mikoto.
Mikoto also started to walk off but was immediately pulled by the orange head. Her face was gently held by two calloused, yet wonderfully gifted hands.
"Come home soon…"
Mai lifted her chin and placed a soft kiss just atop her temple.
With a gentle push, Mikoto hurried to catch up with Natsuki, who never turned around anymore; to which Mikoto greatly agreed. There was no need for that.
--
Looking at you right now, I wish I had done the same.
"Natsuki, I'm really not as athletic as before. A stop over would be nice."
No longer immature, I certainly envy you. I was as young as you, at one point, right?
"Ofcourse… I feel sore as well…"
It tightens around my heart. Your innocence was never really your downfall.
"Let's take shade here… and eat. I'm hungry!"
Because you never hesitated.
"When were you not…?"
I, on the other hand, just ran.
"Oi! I'm helping you here!"
Never did I bothered feeling honest. It really never mattered before.
"Hai, hai… You sound too old for your body…"
I was me, after all; a cold ice standing defiantly under the sun.
"Yea right, old lady."
My sun grew tired, and left me.
"I'm not that old!"
Or rather, I grew scared, and left.
"Admit it! You are already tired more than I am."
I might… melt…
"I'm still young!"
I wish I had just melted…
"And what of me, a kid?'
If it would be of her, I wouldn't mind melting.
"Hah!"
Silly… It's only now, that I realized that.
"You have got to be kidding me…"
You, on the other hand, accepted your sun and melted.
"Mai certainly thinks you're still a kid… I can bet on that – ramen monster…"
Whole heartedly.
"WAH? I won't share, I tell you!"
It pains me. Your smile and hers.
"O-Oi, have some heart, I thought that's for the two of us!"
I don't want your sun.
"Who said so?"
I want my sun back.
"You dare bring me to hike over mountains, and not bring food for the two of us?!"
So, you've got to help me…
"Okay, I'll give you some… Geezz.. old people…"
Because I decided that I wanted to melt…
"What was that?"
Under her, all this time…
"Nothing…"
So please…
"Thought so…"
Help me…
--
The place was more of an old ruin than a classic villa; well hidden amongst the ragged mountains they trekked. Natsuki had her hair bundled up. The heat is getting to her and the water Mikoto brought was just barely sufficient.
They started walking the paved way, Natsuki looking around the highly suspicious edifice.
Is… this where Shizuru…?
She wanted to ask the girl leading her. But she opted to wait. So far, that decision brought her here.
Closer… she remembered the words Mikoto told her. She looked at the other girl.
Mikoto's steps never halted, it was calculated. Natsuki can only look on as the younger girl pushed something on the wall.
"Ah! Ohayo, Mikoto-san! " the voice was familiar but Natsuki just can't think clearly now.
"Ohayo! I.. I'm with someone. " Natsuki looked closer and saw a small camera leveled at Mikoto's face.
"I see… We have heard. And we are really expecting her." The frown stayed. The inability of asking reckless questions still hasn't left the young biker.
Expecting…?
She heard Mikoto call her.
Mikoto motioned for her to come close as the huge gate opened. Natsuki looked inside and saw – nothing.
No guards, no security personnel. No nothing.
But still the place gave her the notion of being highly-guarded despite the lack of pressing images.
"Your patience is astounding Natsuki." Mikoto commented as they walked further in, the huge mansion right ahead. Natsuki can only sigh.
She looked around more while walking aimlessly. Before they reached the place, a fountain caught her attention. It wasn't working; the mold formed abundantly at it's insides. But despite the fact that the structure seemed to have suffered too much to be even recognized as such, an object securely attached to it made Natsuki huffed.
It was a small tablet, a little off to be there. It seemed that it's the only thing that is well-kept. It wasn't what made Natsuki gasp, though. It was what was written on it.
She quickly turned and grabbed Mikoto by the arm. The younger girl did not flinch, even gave her a knowing look.
"I… I should have…" Natsuki muttered incoherently.
"I don't know where she is. But they do."
"Yes…" Natsuki breathed. She can't believe the idea never crossed her mind! She turned to the girl again, loosing her grip.
"…You think they… really do?" Mikoto just shrugged.
"It's better than nothing." Natsuki has to agree with that. It was hard though. Who would've thought…?
Mikoto stared at her then averted. She gently moved Natsuki's weak hand from her arm and continued walking towards the place. Natsuki looked back at the fountain; the sun clashed at the bronze writing on the tablet. She shook her head, marveling at how slow-wheeled her head is.
Now why didn't I think of asking for her help…?
The tablet gleamed, the markings incredibly clear. Atop, it read:
Kikukawa.
--
--
--
A/N: Yes, I know.. another mystery... Soo cruel... haha! But no, my dear lovable friends! Let me indulge you.. If you guys need a boost - since I know how boring this fic is ..ouchie...- you may want to visit my profile... WARNING: If you click on my homepage, be sure you're ready for the spoiler... YES, SPOILER! dang it! can't believe I'm doing this... This is not even a good fic! arghh...
To those who want to have a -glimpse- of what's in store for MakiMaki, visit my author profile, click on my homepage or the imeem profile link, play some of my music, check my photo album.. and BAM! MakiMaki: EXPOSED!
This is an experiment, and I'm already done with the whole story. It's really long and dragging, that's why I'm trying my best to keep you guys at the edge of your seat through the suspense... Hope you enjoyed the chapter. This is my first try on a nononeshot, so be kind.. If you check my profile on imeem, you'll see how -dedicated- I am with this fic...
I would prefer you guys NOT visiting my site, to atleast let the vagueness stay. But-- eek! i'll be killed! hahaha! So it's your choice. I only loaded a few pictures that says or SPOILS alot for MakiMaki.
Hope you like this. Questions? Mail me.
Ah yes... Shizuru? No, she's not THAT tired... hahaha!! I treat her like a queen, so don't fret..
To those who reviewed my works, THANK YOU.. To those who plainly read them, I hope you enjoyed it...And to my inspiration... who doesn't know she's my inspiration...Uhmm.. You don't really know me, I barely know you... But I hope you like this and my other works...