Disclaimer: Okay, this is another story I don't own... -sniff- This is a translation attempt of a chinese Shiznat fanfic. For details of the original work and author, refer to FOREWORD. Thanks.
Summary: AU. ShizNat. An investigation report on Kruger & Viola by a history student in Windbloom University. This is a history assignment which aims to bring a fresh perspective yet true to history recollections of the two.
Note: I've taken the liberty to include remarks to clarify certain scenes for those who are confused or would like details. (Please ignore if your imagination managed to fill in the gap because these remarks are just my own deductions and might not reflect the author's original intent)
These sections are marked with (-#-), refer to bottom of chapter for details
An Investigation Report on Kruger & Viola
Chapter 2
Authored by tlice
Translated by glowie
Sad to say, within that lawless era all resources including news, livelihood and health amenities were all under the control of the military. Giving them the power to do as they see fit.
Thus, if Shizuru Viola, being the descendant of a tainted family line, without any actual political or military power, were to live in seclusion we have no way of knowing details of how she lived as well as the events surrounding her.
The only exception stems from her accidental meeting with Natsuki Kruger which leaves us a few bits of conversation. Most regretful was the fact that even for Natsuki Kruger who at that moment was nothing but a mere ensign, did not leave us much information about herself. The only thing that stood out was her exceptional caliber and that she managed to climb through the ranks with unbelievable speed.
It was also snowing when Natsuki and Shizuru met again. Shizuru was dressed properly this time. However, her hair was rumpled.
Clear green eyes lingered on the woman's broken lips; its owner hesitated before asking. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine," the brown-haired woman knowing her attempt to hide her paleness behind her smile had failed miserably could only emphasized, "My apartment is just ahead."
"I'll escort you." Natsuki insisted.
"Ara, Natsuki has been promoted!" Shizuru warmly exclaimed upon stepping into the building's premises. "You are truly amazing."
"Ahh..." feeling her face heated up, Natsuki quickly turns her face away."No matter what you say, I will see you to your doorsteps."
"Ara... I've been ... exposed?" (-1-)
"Of course! In the past..."
As if realizing something, both stopped. A curtain of awkward silence fell over them.
"Natsuki has not changed a bit." Shizuru suddenly sighs while still maintain her smile.
"Neither did you."
No matter what the time or situation... you always smile. The real delightful smile from the depths of your heart, the obligatory smile, the forced smile, the helpless smile, the worried smile, the painful smile...
They climbed the narrow stairs with Natsuki following closely behind. Eyes never leaving the unnaturally straighten back in front of her. It was not until the person in front stopped to open the apartment door that she dared to let out her long held breath.
"Good-bye." Not waiting for a reply, Natsuki fled, running down the stairs in a hurry. She heard the door closed shut and shortly after her exceptional hearing caught the sound of a thud.
"Shizuru!"
Kicking the door open, she held the slumped body close to hers. Natsuki was terrified when she saw the beautifully shaped yet deadly pale lips tainted with steaks of crimson red. Etched on slim delicate wrists deep bluish marks, now being clearly taken in by pained green orbs.
When she had come to, she was already in her sleeping gown. Cuts and bruises were carefully treated and bandaged. "Natsuki?" (-2-)
"You're awake, Shizuru." Natsuki said, sign of relief evident in her concerned voice.
"Natsuki doesn't want to ask?"
"Huh?"
"Doesn't Natsuki want to know the reason?" The woman thankfully sipped the cup of water offered by Natsuki.
Wearing a smile without any hint of emotion, she continued, "the reason why I am doing this.".
"I only want to help Shizuru, " knowing full well lying is not one of her strengths Natsuki turns her face away as she softly uttered the poor excuse.
Determined to maintain her stand to not force the truth from the woman, even though deep inside... she stopped herself from wandering too far down that end and continued before her resolve left her "But, I do not want to make it difficult for you Shizuru. If it is hard for you to explain..."
"We've moved to the borders of Artai."
"Huh?"
"The war, it took both my father and uncle away." The woman continued as if the story doesn't concern her. "Mother was wounded quite badly and would need a long time to heal. Her internal organs were damaged and would need the aid of nanotechnology..."
"Because of that, Shizuru you..." realization dawned on Natsuki and everything made sense now.
She doesn't know what else to say. She looked up into her face, on it a determined smile, just like always...
As if to resist the alluring beauty in front of her, Natsuki closes her eyes and offered. "I too have friends and seniors working in the General Logistics department..."
"The facility for nanotechnology even in the capital city of Fuuka is vastly limited. It is for that reason that it is only offered to outstanding military personal out in the battlefields and not commoners; their only option being utilizing underhand methods."
"Can Natsuki bring herself to do these things?"
"But if it is for..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Natsuki froze when she felt the long missed warmth of her touched upon her.
"Natsuki is considerate and sweet as always." the familiar playful touch teases wherever they roam, the provocative voice mischievously chimed right beside her ear, "Natsuki is so clean. Although born a commoner, she is cleaner than any nobility could ever be."
"Shiz... Shizuru… I..."
"Because of this promise me Natsuki, never allow yourself to be stained. Please?" the woman pleaded as she buried her face upon Natsuki's strong shoulders. Even though her expression was hidden, she knew that the brown-haired woman was trembling. Her delicate body was so tense as if it will shatter like a crystal if not handled carefully. The understanding yet full of teasing voice being used to carry the melodic and distinct Artaian slang seemed so gentle but Natsuki heard the slight cracking.
She knows full well that Shizuru will suffer greatly if she were to continue on this path. Her teeth clenched tightly. "But..."
"It's ok Natsuki." the woman answered as she lifts her head. Removing her hold on Natsuki, she continued. "I'm used to it by now..."
"At that time, you didn't reply my letters... this was the reason?"
Shizuru's mask seemed to falter for a moment but she quickly reinforced it, "Ara, Natsuki is so fond of asking questions, not that I mind of course but I am very tired now and would like to rest."
"But Shizuru..."
"Or... maybe Natsuki wants to sleep with me on this bed as well?"
"Shizuru!!"
The moment she witnesses the form disappearing from the door, hands caressing the holder of the ceramic mug, she let out a depressing sigh.
This mug had been held by Natsuki...
Although it's been a long time... that person is still the same, dazzling and clean as always...
But... it's too late now Natsuki... I'm no longer...
Why? I've promised myself I will never cry again... why? Why do my eyes still feel this stinging heat.
"Damn!" standing outside the building entrance she punched the wall.
Why? I wanted so much to stay. I wanted so much to take care of her. But... seeing her struggling, trying so hard to hold on to her faltering mask, I just cannot make myself to stay there any longer.
I don't have the means to comfort her, to end her suffering. I don't have the ability to change her predicament.
I am... USELESS...
TBC
Note: So far so good... No life-threatening apples being thrown thus far. :P
Remarks:
1. Shizuru had long noticed the insignia on Natsuki's shoulders marking her as a Lieutenant (promoted from ensign) but choose to keep quiet for she was trying to distance herself. She then tried to use this to throw Natsuki off hoping that she would not insist on seeing her home. Luckily Natsuki did not fall for it. Due be being thrown off countless of times before:P
2. Shizuru was obviously abused. She tried to keep a strong front to avoid Natsuki knowing her predicament when they met.