I'm sorry for such a late update. I was having my practical examination so I had to start studying and try my best to recall all the practical techniques. Nevertheless, I didn't waste time and started writing on this chapter. Do enjoy.


Normal POV

"Natsuki? Natsuki-san?" Opening her eyes, the raven haired girl turned her gaze towards the caller.

"What is it?" Natsuki asked in monotone as she sat up straight against her chair only to realized that school's over and half of the students have went back home.

"Are... Are you sick? You've been sleeping almost all day in class. The teachers are getting worried because you don't seem to reply them... It's just not you." The busty girl with flaming orange haired named Mai asked Natsuki.

As if hitting the jackpot, Natsuki winced and clenches her hand into a fist. Her heart rate slowly picked up its pace and she could feel pain on each beat for her heart. Shutting her eyes tightly, Natsuki took in a deep breath to calm herself and her irregular heart beat.

"Na... Natsuki? Are you okay?" Mai asked in concern again.

'If I tell you my problem... does it ease my pain? Does it bring Shizuru back to me? No... It doesn't help one bit.' Natsuki thought. 'Wait... this shouldn't be the point. People like her, are better off away from me...'

"I'm fine." Natsuki said out coldly as she stood up from her place.

"You sure? You can tell me if something is bothering you..." Mai's sentence was interrupted when she received a cold-death-glare from a certain lone wolf who stood in front of her.

'Shove her away from your life!' Natsuki mentally scolded herself. 'Unless you want your life to be even more ruined!' Natsuki's thoughts continued.

"I am nothing but F.I.N.E, fine! I'd prefer you not coming close to me. So, I'll thank you for being concern about me but you shall take your leave and so will I." Natsuki hissed coldly. "Besides, it's none of your concern." The bluenette continued before walking out from the classroom with her belongings.

'Human beings can never be trusted...' Natsuki thought as she could feel a tug in her heart. A surge of memories on Shizuru attacked Natsuki and slowly the unbearable pain starting to creep to Natsuki's senses.

"Damn it!" Natsuki growled as she picked up her pace and in no time, she was running. As if she is trying to run away from the pain and memories.

"If you said your fine... why do you look so sad?" Mai mumbled to herself as her eyes were locked to where the lone wolf has disappeared. Sighing, Mai packed her belongings before heading back home.


Walking among the crowds, Natsuki's eyes were scanning through the houses to rent along with the pricing. But luck was never on her side as she inwardly growled. Most of the house which was near to school were either too expensive for her expenses or she has to share it with someone. Both of those criteria are basically not what Natsuki wants.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Natsuki let out a very tired and frustrating sigh which didn't go unnoticed by one of the land lord.

"Excuse me miss, but I've been seeing you wondering around, are you looking for a house to rent?"

"Yeah... But don't worry about it. I can't afford to rent any with the ridiculous pricing." Natsuki shrugged as she slumps her shoulders in defeat.

"I apologize for the price... but you seem rather too young to be renting a house... why don't you stay in the dorms?" The guy asked again in concern.

Just hearing the word dorms, Natsuki couldn't control her emotion as her eyes showed signs on sadness.

Flashback...

' Brrr, brrrrr' the sound of Natsuki's cell phone vibration didn't fail to wake the emerald eye princess.

Slowly opening her eyes, the raven haired girl grabbed her cell phone and shut her alarm off before dragging herself off from her bed to the bathroom.

The cold droplets of washes through the blunette's pale body yet, she felt nothing. She felt very incomplete. It was as if she is just an empty casket.

As she was washing off the soap from her body, her eyes caught a familiar shining object attached to her wedding finger. Looking at the ring with an engraving "S&N" situated in Natsuki's wedding finger brought Natsuki back into her memories of how the rings were created.

Needles and daggers of pain and loneliness suddenly pierced Natsuki endlessly and she slowly rested herself on her knees. At that very moment, the ring had failed its duty to bring Natsuki happiness but instead, it pushed the raven haired girl deeper into her misery.

Unable to keep her voice in, Natsuki let out a choke and broke down in tears.

'Shizuru, Shizuru, Shizuru...' Natsuki mentally chanted Shizuru's name over and over again, still wishing that it was all a bad dream.

After a few minutes, the raven haired beauty finally comes out from the bathroom, clad with her hooded clothes and messy school vest. As she walked towards her study table to grab her bag, she noticed a silver ring, placed on her study table.

Instantly, Natsuki's eyes turned emotionless. Lying on her study table was an identical ring that Natsuki wore on her wedding finger. It was Shizuru's ring.

'I guess... there isn't any point on praying or begging... It is just not possible for us to be together anymore...'

Giving out a desperate and sad sigh, Natsuki instantly grab the ring and placed it into her pocket before walking out with her bag pack.

End of flashback...

"Hello? Miss?" The land lord called to Natsuki whilst waving his hand, snapped the lone wolf from her misery.

"S-sorry... What was it that you were saying?" Natsuki asked back as she blushed lightly.

"Its fine, but I know of a friend who is the owner of a HiME mechanic."

"And... what does that have to do with me finding a house?" Natsuki questioned.

"Well... I was thinking that this information might help you." The guy said to Natsuki as he hands over a piece of leaflet.

Upon taking the leaflet, Natsuki started reading its contents and slowly, she understood what the land lord meant.

"As you can see... He is looking for a replacement worker as one of his mechanic absconded from work 2 months ago. If I'm not wrong, he even provides a place to stay. A one bedded apartment which is perhaps two blocks away from here. Approximately 10 minutes walk from the garage. His name is Yamada."

'Holy... it's even near Fuuka!' Natsuki's face lighten up as she notice that she might have a chance to get an apartment.

As Natsuki was mentally cheering for a turn of bad luck, the land lord look Natsuki's slightly brighten up expression as a confirmation that she was interested in the offer.

"By the way, I'm Shinji Rodsan. But you can call me Shinji. If you are really up to the offer, I could give him a ring right now. Perhaps he would take you in." Shinji said enthusiastically as he takes out his cellphone.

"That'll be great! Thanks you Shinji." Natsuki replied as she tried her best to beam out a smile which failed miserably. Without further delay, Shinji expertly dialed the number to call his friend.

'If... if this Yamada guy accepts me... then... perhaps Shizuru doesn't have to see my face any longer... It might make her happier that way.' Natsuki said mentally as she could feel her heart being squeezed hard and pulled away. It was painful to bear that thought but Natsuki took in a few deep breaths to stabilize herself from crying in public.

"Excuse me, my friend said he'll be delighted to interview you if possible, Miss ugh..." Shinji shrugged.

"Kuga- Kuga Natsuki."

"Miss Kuga, here's the address, Yamada will be waiting for you in his office." Shinji said as he smiled at Natsuki.

"Thank you for helping me. It means a lot to me." Natsuki replied as she bowed slightly.

"It's alright, you look rather distressed upon finding a house and it seems your high school doesn't have a dorm for you to stay in. But that is only my perception on your reaction previously. Anyway, you better get going." Shinji said as he chuckled lightly.

"Again, thank you." Natsuki thanked Shinji one last time before walking towards the direction where she has left her Ducati.


"You seem to be genuinely interested with the offer my friend, Shinji has recommended." The guy named Yamada said as he slowly stroked his chin as in if is considering Natsuki's request.

"Please... It is fine if I'm not paid as I work. I just need a place to stay." Natsuki mumbled softly but still audible to Yamada.

"That would be very much unfair but agreeable."Yamada said as he paused to think about something else.

Natsuki on the other hand were nervous as she started trembling slightly.

'Please say yes..' The lone wolf mentally hoped.

"How about this, you'll work here and I shall provide you with shelter and also some food for you every day. Is it a deal? Of course, I'll provide you with transportation fee as well. But in return, I'd want you to work without slacking. I know you're new to this kind of environment but you'll be the best of it within a few months time." Yamada suggested his opinion not failed to give out a crooked smile.

'What... This deal is better than I expected. With free lodging, food and transportation fee, it would be awesome!' Natsuki thought in disbelief after hearing the offer.

"So, what is your answer?" Yamada said with a grin. "Shinji recommended you, so you must have caught his eyes. Besides, I like your personality of being independent." Yamada continued as he gives Natsuki thumbs up.

"E-Excuse me? I mean... ugh- It's not-"Before Natsuki could finish her sentence, Yamada interrupted "Its fine, I don't want to pry your private life. So how's the deal?"

'Deal? Oh yeah! The deal... If I do this... If I move out, I won't be seeing her anymore... but... this if for her... so...' Natsuki debated as she could feel a huge cold lump in her throat, threatening to burst out.

For a moment there, Natsuki felt doubtful. It is unbelievable that she was getting a free lodging but on the contrary, she would NEVER see the chestnut beauty anymore. With that thought in mind, Natsuki paled instantly. Her heart started to throb painfully and she could feel herself suffocating.

"Kuga-san? Is the deal not good enough?" Yamada questioned the doubtful expression plastered on Natsuki's face.

Upon hearing Yamda's sentence, Natsuki broke out of her own world and instantly nodded her head in agreement. "No! The deal is awesome! I'll take it! In fact, I would wish to move in today!"

"Whoa, calm down now lil pup. No need for the rush." Yamada said as he chuckled which made Natsuki blush out of embarrassment. "Hold on here while I get you the keys."

"I'd prefer to be a wolf..." Natsuki mumbled silently at Yamada's retreating figure.

Sighing, Natsuki popped herself on the chair. She was mentally and emotionally exhausted. She could feel the pure urge to see the crimsoned eyed angel. To feel the love that they once had, to be able to hug her like they used to do and even to spend time with Shizuru leisurely was something Natsuki wished for.

'Stop day dreaming... It's impossible... even if a small wish of being hugged by her is impossible...'

Shutting her eyes, Natsuki could feel her world crumble down to ashes. Her once perfect world has no longer existed and the happiness that she had attained after so many years of betrayed and pain vanished without any trace.

At the same moment, Natsuki felt like dying, she no longer felt the meaning to live on as if she is a complete worthless human being alive in earth. As much as she tried to keep her tears in bay, it was impossible as tears were streaming down her cheek.

Unknowing to her, a pair of eyes were staring at the Natsuki, looking at the vulnerable girl crying hopelessly as if she had lost all hopes in the world.

'At least I do not feel guilty for shunting you away... The moment you step into my garage, those lonely and sad eyes were the only thing that I noticed first... I may not know what the hell happened to you or where your parents are, but you reminded me of myself when I am young...' Yamada thought as a sad smile appeared.

"Kuga-san? Let's go to your new apartment." Yamada said as he approached the lone figure.

Shocked, Natsuki quickly wiped her tears away and recomposed herself.

"R-right, let's go!" Natsuki said as she picked up her helmet.


Unlocking the door with a small click, Natsuki tried her best to be stealth to enter her room in order to move her belongings to her new apartment whilst praying that Shizuru isn't in the room.

'Please don't be there, please don't be there... I don't think I can bear the pain anymo-" Natsuki's prayers were cut short as her sad, lonely and exhausted emerald eyes met ruby eyes.

'Shit...' Natsuki mentally cursed her luck as the crimson eyes showed irritation.

Natsuki could feel the dangerous urge arising as they continued staring into each other's eyes. Feeling even more sad and intimidated, Natsuki was the first to break the glance as she casted her gaze to the cold floor. Tears were already threatening to pour out and her hands were trembling in pain and solitude.

"Kuga-san" The perfect Kyoto-ben was coated with pure coldness came out from Shizuru's mouth. It struck her painfully, directly into her already throbbing heart making Natsuki felt even more wretched.

Watching as the chestnut haired beauty open her mouth, a knife of fear and remorse stabbed deeply into Natsuki's wound, digging and prying it bigger.

"I'm sorry! I-I'm... I-" Natsuki blurred out as she shut her eyes tight, fearing to hear another sentence from Shizuru.

'Please don't ruin my precious memories I had with you... Please don't. It-It's the only thing I have left...'

"I- I'm moving... So, I apologize for d-disturbing you. Y-you don't have to-"Natsuki's sentence died as she choked a sob unintentionally. Tears were now pouring out from the emerald eyes.

'Please tell me to stay... tell me that this is not what you wished for. Please..'Natsuki prayed to hear the words from Shizuru's honey coated mouth but only silence replied her.

'You don't have t-to suffer to see me anymore...'Natsuki mentally finished her unfinished sentence as sadness consumes her completely. Not wanting Shizuru to see her pathetic being, Natsuki quickly grab her last belongings that she had packed and dashes out from the room, slamming the door in the process.

Shizuru, on the other hand were shocked. One, she never expected Natsuki to broke into tears when all the while, the fault was in the raven beauty's hands (1). Two, it pained her that the person she once loved were crying. As much as Shizuru remembers, the Ice princess was strong in personality and rarely breaks down. (2)

Not knowing what to say, Shizuru decided to just keep quiet. Her hands were holding on a black envelope which was addressed to Natsuki.

Shizuru's mind was still playing the whole event where the Ice princess apologizes until the slamming of the room door.

'Ara... something is definitely out of place...' Shizuru thought as she turn to place the letter on the table before using her laptop, trying to read the letter that was forwarded to Shizuru which caused the whole even between the two lovers. (3)

Not knowing to Shizuru that the black letter had a small signature that went unnoticed by her trained crimson eyes. The signature writes out "Ken Kuga."(4)

To be continued...


(1) Obviously, someone has been playing a very bad bad thing between both of them, causing our two favourite parings to break up. (Sheez I'm not THAT cruel to cause those two to break up out of no good reason!)

(2) It just proves to you that Natsuki doesn't usually break down when she was around Shizuru, knowing that it would have made Shizuru feel sad.

(3) Yes, yes and yes. All of this was planned by someone. And of course I'll reveal what happened perhaps in the next few chapters or chapter 4.

(4) As you all know it, and perhaps read it right. The letter is from the one and only cruel being, Natsuki's father.


I don't think this chapter is very well written. There's just too much ideas running while in my mind currently and it's getting hard for me to concentrate. Do accept my sincere apology.

Garrita Salvatrucha – No harm done. xD and Thank you for following my story

SKULLCANDii – The reason for Natsuki's pain will be revealed but not that fast. =/ and I apologize for updating late. I'm having a massive flight of ideas regarding this story, making me delete over and over again. And I ended up with this one. I hope it isn't disappointing.

Fyee – Sorry for making you sad. ._. I hope you enjoy this chapter

MegaAuthor – omg... bleeding heart! We need a SURGEON! On second thoughts, wanna try my super awesome skill? ;D -beams evilly-

Kitty – I'm not an emotion killer... T_T it is kinda cruel to put it that way...

Zzzz – How our favorite wolf survives will be revealed in the further chapter.

Kuro~ - Thank you =]

Okami-Chin – I'm glad you love it ;D

Aya 1920 – Ara... Same interest as in?