Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime and Lady Hawke

A lone rider rode quickly through a vast field where a herd of sheep surrounded a lake. A soldier had a fresh horse saddled and ready as the rider slowed down his horse just enough for him to jump upon the fresh one. Without pause, the rider made the horse run at full speed toward his destination.


Thunder rolled in the distance as Natsuki walked ahead of Ant, who was holding on the reins of Duran. Natsuki had the hawk resting on her hand, "Stop now." Natsuki commanded softly. She sat herself on a boulder nearby while Ant led the horse to a tree.

"Come on, old girl." Duran neighed in protest, reminding Ant of her mistake, "I mean boy." She tied the reins tightly around the trunk of a tree. Her tanned cloak wrapped tightly around her slim body as she rubbed her arms to gain warmth. Natsuki seemed comfortable using her cape as a blanket on her body, her hood offering some warmth to her head and shelter from the oncoming rain. "I could use some rest myself after last night's events." Ant releashed Duran's saddle from his back all the while complaining, "That old wolf could have killed me. It was horrible!"

Natsuki merely closed her eyes and sighed doing her best to ignore the ramblings of her traveling companion. "But, he tore the farmer's throat out and left me alone.' Revelation dawned on her as she continued talking. Once Duran's saddle was off, she made her way to a comfortable spot to rest. "There was more." Natsuki was on the verge of telling Ant to shut up so she could sleep when the next words that came out grabbed her attention. "There was a woman. Like fine porcelean. With deep red eyes. Almost like the hawk's." Ant paused as she recalled that night. Despite the fact it was the scariest moments of her life, Ant could not stop thinking about meeting the woman. "And her voice that does set tones for an angel."

Natsuki's eyes shot open as she looked at Ant with surprise, "She spoke?' Her voice betrayed her feelings as a rare hunger lit her eyes, "What did she say?"
Ant found the knight's reaction odd but shrugged it aside, "I asked her if I was dreaming. She said I was."

Natsuki bowed her head with a small smile, "Hmm"

Ant saw Natsuki's reaction and the need for Natsuki to believe her tale was strong, "I"m not insane, you must believe me when I tell you these things." She said was utter convinction.

Natsuki met Ant's eyes once again with a thoughtful expression, "Oh, I believe you. I believe in dreams." Her eyes grew fond as she responded as if she was reliving something from long past. The hawk on Natsuki's hand squawk.

Believing Natsuki is mocking her, Ant turned her eyes away, "I see." Her hand reached out to rub against Duran's front leg to work out her frustration.

Natsuki looked highly amused as she could not stop the smile from growing, "This lady, does she have a name?"

Pouting, Ant looked back, "Not that she mentioned, why?"

"Well, she might wander in my dreams.' Natsuki's eyes softened as she touched the hawk with her fingers and allowing them to glide down its chest. "Wouldn't it be nice' Natsuki's eyes drifted from Ant to the hawk where her voice grew tender, f I could call her by name the day we met before." Memories flooded her thoughts that the overwhelming feelings soon became too much for her to bear, Natsuki unintentionally let out a sound that spoke volumes of her anguish. Tearing her eyes off the hawk, Natsuki looked back to Ant's confused gaze, "I've waited a long time for such a lady." Realizing she may have said too much, Natsuki's face returned to the impassive expression she always wore while pulling down her hood to cover her eyes, "Better get some sleep."

Ant thought she may have learned something very important about the captain. The way Natsuki spoke made Ant wonder what could have been the reason behind this mysterious grief this soldier carried. Natsuki spoke about the woman as if she had met her before. 'Didn't she say that to call this woman by name as she had done before? Does this have to do with what happened last night?' Ant's thoughts continued down that path as her hands rested on her lap. "The bird will alert us if anyone is coming." Natuki announced.

"I've got to be out of my mind...out of my mind." Ant shook her head as she gazed up at the darkening sky thickened with clouds and the faint sound of thunder closing in.


The rider pushed his horse to go faster and harder as he saw the city in the distance. Hooves beat into the worn path causing many travelers to jump out of the way. A watchman from the tower alerted the soldier below to open the gate. The soldier managed to open the gate just as the rider made his way into the city. The rider made his way through the long narrow road toward the center of the city. Finally, he neared his destination. He pulled hard on the reins and jumped off the horse. Without looking back, the rider swiftly entered a large courtyard where a female dancer was performing in front of the bishop.

The rider waited to be achknowledged before continuing on his trek. As the danced ended, the bishop's attention seemed to remain on the dancer when her voice rung out, "Have you found the criminal, Rad?"

Knowing what the reaction will be, Rad took a deep breath, "She's not in my custody at this time."

"Then why did you invade my garden unwashed and unshaved?' the bishop turned around, her voice becoming irate, "Do you think to find her here?"

Rad lowered his eyes as he knew the news he would reveal would be far worse than loosing Ant, he forced his eyes back to the bishop's, "Natsuki has returned."

The transformation on the bishop's face caused a cold chill to run down his spine. Only the name of Natsuki could do such a thing. The bishop's lips thinned and a hunger in her grey eyes grew. Rad knew what was to happen next. The bishop's face reverted back to her normal state but her eyes remained full of emotion, "Walk with me." Her tone was deep and dark. Turning her back, she walked along the pathway of her garden with her bodyguard a few feet behind her.

Rad quickened his pace to walk next to the bishop, "The criminal, Arika, travels with her. My men are combing the woods."

"And the hawk?" the bishop's voice demanded.

"The what?" Confusion covered his face toward the odd quesiton.

"It must be a hawk. A spirited hawk.' The bishop's thoughts turned inward as she continued walking with Rad watching her with concern. Suddenly, the bishop turned to Rad surprising the man, "This hawk is not to be harmed, is that understood? The day she dies is the day when the next captain of the guard will reside in your place after your excecution." The bishop's words were said quickly and coldly. Her eyes were steel as she glared into Rad's eyes to emphasize her orders.

"We live in difficult times. This famine has prevented people from paying proper contribution to the church. I raise their taxes only to be told there was nothing left for me to tax. Imagine." She sneered as she changed the subject while walking quite briskly. "But last night, the Lord Almighty had visted me in my sleep. He told me that a demon was traveling amongst us in disguise and her name is Natsuki Kuga." The bishop stopped. Her voice suddenly became cold once more, "Go. To break faith in me is to break faith in him." She turned around and held out her thumb with the ring. Rad bowed before her and kissed it like many times before. Then backed away to make his exit. Turning toward her courtyard again, she clapped her hands to gain her servants'attention. "Get me Nao!"

"Yes, Your Grace." a soldier responded before saluting and heading to do as his master bidded. The bishop turned her back to the courtyard to think alone as emotions she had kept buried for so long resurfaced.


Ant swung a heavy sword she found resting on the saddle. She had never seen Natsuki use it so she thought it was just an old relic. Since its master was not using it, she might as well use it to chop wood. With a mighty heave, she swung the sword upon the small branches she had gathered. The blade cut through the wood like butter. Satisfied, Ant grabbed another branch only this one bigger. She prepared to swing when her wrist was captured by an iron grip. Turning her head toward the cause, she looked into the eyes of dark green.

Taking the sword back, Natsuki spoke with clear and concise words so there would not be any misunderstandings, "This sword has been in my family for five generations. It has never known defeat until now.' Natsuki held the hilt up to show Ant how special the sword was to her, "This jewel represents my family's name." She pointed to one of the jewels on one side of the metal guard, "And this one is our holy alliance with the Church of Rome." She pointed to the other jewel on the other side, then she pointed to the center, "This one was meant for the crusades." She flipped the sword over to reveal another spot in the center of the guard, "And this..." the empty indention caused Ant to panic.

"Sir, I hope you don't believe I took that." She quickly defended herself.

"No!' Her voice rose and looked straight into Ant's eyes once more. "This is mine to fill." She walked away. "Each generation is called upon a quest."

"And what is your quest?" Ant's burning question directed toward the knight.

Natsuki paused in her step and looked down at the sword, "I must kill a woman." Her voice was steady and calm.

Quirking an eyebrow up, Ant couldn't help the sarcastic remark that followed through, "Tell me, does this walking corpse have a name?"
Slowly turning around, Natsuki held the sword tightly in her hands. "Her Grace, the Bishop of Aquila." The response took Ant by surprise.

"The bishop...I see." Feeling that now would be a good time to part with this crazed knight, Ant took a step backwards. "Well...well, then you have much to do. And I have been enough of a burden to you. I do hope our paths cross again one day." 'Yeah right! See ya!' Ant quickend her escape plan only to be stopped by Natsuki's cocky tone.

"I need you to guide me into the city."

Incredulous at the audacity this woman had, "Not for the life of my mother, even if I knew who she was" 'There was no way in hell, I was going to help this person on such a messed up quest. Even if she did save my life, what she is asking is too much!'

"You're the only one who has ever escaped from there." Nastuki reasoned.

"It was chance! Pure chance." Ant argued. "A miracle. Once in a lifetime." She had hoped this would disuade the knight but knowing how stubborn Nastuki was, this was only but a rare to slim chance. As much as she hated to reveal the real reason behind her escape, she much rather look like a fool than a suicidal fool. "I fell down a hole and followed my nose."

Natsuki gave Ant a look that told her that no matter what Ant said, Natsuki would not accept no for an answer. "I have waited almost two years for this sign of God. So, when I heard the morning bells of Aquila, I knew the moment of my destiny had come. You will be my guiding angel."

"Me?" Natsuki nodded. "Sir, the truth is I talk to God all the time. And no offense, he never mentioned you."

Smirking, Natsuki replied, "No?"

"There are strange forces at work in your life. Magical ones that surround you.' Ant took a step forward, she had never been so serious in all her life, "I don't understand them, but they frighten me. You have given me my life. The truth is I can never repay you. I have no honor and never will have. I don't think you will kill me for being what I am." Natsuki's look remained the same as her hand lightly touched the blade of her ancestors. "But, better than that than to return to Aquila." Ant continued. She turned and walked away. She felt very satisfied with her speech and a bit proud. Never had she spouted with such convinction. Each step she took, the more she felt relieved.

'I did it!' She rejoyced silently. The moment was all too soon shattered as a sword flew by and missed her by centimeters then buried into the tree trunk next to her. Shocked and frightened at the same time, she glanced at the sword then at Natsuki, who wore a scary expression that promised a lot of pain and death. "I'll gather some wood for the fire." She meekly offered.


Night had descended and a slight form wearing a white cotton shirt and brown fitted trousers tucked into leather boots shot by chasing dinner. Sensing victory, the woman trapped the rabbit, who got caught in a bush. Sticking her small hands inside, she felt the velvety fur within her grasp. The rabbit continued its struggle for freedom. "Miss?" A voice startled the woman causing her to bump into the rabbit with enough force to free it. Turning to the voice then back to her now missed dinner, she sat on the ground looking at the girl tied to a tree. She ran her slender hands through her tousled hair, catching her breath, "Damn."

"Remember me?"

Feeling annoyed and extremely hungry, the woman sighed. "What are you doing up there?" 'So much for dinner tonight' she slightly shook her head in disappointment.

"What am I doing?' 'Think quick!' Ant moved her numb hands that were tied behind her and around a tree trunk. "Ahh, yes, might ask the ..bishop's guards. A dozen of them. We had a terrible fight." Ant watched as the beautiful woman stood up. Even though she wore men's clothing, it did nothing to tarnish her beauty. This woman was simply breathtaking. 'Do not get distracted, remember, you have to escape at all costs.'

"Why didn't they kill you?" The sweet tone and accent of her voice nearly caused Ant to swoon. This woman was seriously too damn sexy for her own good. Also, from the tone of this goddess, Ant could tell the woman did not believe her story one bit.

"That's a good question. I asked them that myself." Ant flexed her numbed fingers as the spikey feeling was slowly returning.
The woman stepped closer folding the sleeves of her white shirt up while lifting a fine eyebrow, "And?" Ant could already tell that the woman was only amusing her.

"And?" Impatience was brimming."

"And what did they say?" A barely conceled smile and laughter obviously in the woman's eyes only added to Ant's frustration.

"They said that they prefer to leave that honor to the bishop."

"Ara" She nodded her head.

"They're coming back.' Which earned her another nod from the beauty.

"They are, are they?" Her voice replied.

Signing and hanging her head, Ant gave up the pretense. "Please, My Lady? A giant owl was eyeing me not too long ago." Giving the woman her best puppy dog look, Ant could tell that the woman was debating within herself. Despite being beautiful, Ant could tell the woman was intelligent as well. Ant knew that this woman knew Natsuki had tied her up. The woman was debating whether she should release her or not. Giving it one last push, she pushed out her bottom lip, "Please?" The woman's eyes changed slightly at something Ant did. A small breathless chuckle, Ant tried again, "Please?"

Cocking her head to the side, the woman gave a soft laugh as to say, "you won" but the sound caused Ant's heart to jump. The sound was so unique like the finest crystal giving off that sweet resonating cling. The woman made her way to the tree. With her small dagger, she cut the rope.

"You're very kind." Ant thanked just as the sound of a wolf's howl broke through the night. The woman turned her head toward the sound and like before, her eyes were full of want. Sensing this as her time to go, Ant ran away. The woman continued to look out into the darkness as her heart clenched.

"Listen." She turned back to find the girl gone.

"Thank you very much, My Lady." Ant's distant voice told the woman that the girl was too far away to catch. "Tell the captain she ties a wicked knot!" Before disappearing completely.
The woman leaned her back to the tree and ran one of her hands through her hair again. "She's going to kill me."


A hawk soared in the morning breeze and landed on the outstretched arm of a handsome knight. "Good morning." The hawk kept its wings spread as it balanced itself on the limb. "Let's go find Arika."


Ant crouched against the frosted ground. Looking ahead, she noticed a camp below. Furrowing her eyebrows, she felt her instincts scream to back away. With a slight nod, she started to crawl away when she backed into something. Before she could discover for herself what it was, a hand reached down and roughly grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and lifted her up. Another hand grabbed her arm in a vise-like manner causing pain to spread in her body.

Finding herself in a camp of soldiers, Ant couldn't believe her luck at who greeted her. The guard she had stolen the money purse before getting caught. "Well, well, a long way from home, aren't we?" A smug grin appeared on his face. "You have saved me and the troops some time.' Then the smug grin melted away into a snarl as the guard grabbed Ant by the front of the shirt and pushing his face in front of hers, "Now where is Natsuki?" He demanded.

"Natsuki? Natsuki?" Another guard approached in front of her. "Oh yes, a woman dressed all in black and riding a black horse? I saw her riding south toward Aquila."

"Ha! Then we ride north." One soldier inputed.

"It's not polite to assume someone is a liar when you only just met them." She lectured.

A grin appeared on Gus's face, "Then we ride south toward Aquila." He let go of Ant and headed for his horse. Ant's mouth gaped open in surprise.
The soldier holding her hostage pushed her forward, "I told the truth, Lord, how can I learn any lessons if you keep confusing me like this?" The only response she received was thunder.


Natsuki cantered into a small village. The hawk circled around her before descending. A bad feeling in her gut told the soldier to stay on high alert. The back of her hair rose, 'This looks like a great place for an ambush.' Her eyes never straying on one thing.

Soldiers hiding on top their horses behind the canopy houses. Stringing their bows and readying their swords, Ant sat behind a soldier with her hands tied once more behind her back and gagged. Thankfully, the soldiers kept the length between her wrists pretty wide so she manuevered her arms over her head. The soldier in front of her looked back because of the constant struggling. Seeing Ant trying to take off her gag and ruin the element of surprise, he covered her mouth. Ant sunk her teeth into the disguising moldy leather glove. She let out a muffled struggle before the soldier backhanded her and she fell to the ground knocking the air out of her lungs.

Natsuki heard the sound and the soldiers came out of hiding. Her hands grabbed her crossbow and managed to raise it just as an arrow hit the saddlebag. She took aim and shot only to miss as the soldier moved his horse away. She took aim again and hit another soldier nearby. One of the horsemen gripped his sword tightly before charging toward the knight. Realizing it would be too late if she drew her sword, she used the crossbow as a bat and slammed the broad side of it into the man's face.

Two soldiers pointed their crossbows at Natsuki, but Ant grabbed large stones and hit one of the soldiers. His aim pointed upward and in the moment of surprise shot upward. The arrow pierced the hawk in the wing near its shoulder. The hawk let out a shrill sound of pain. The other soldier shot and hit Natsuki almost in the same location as to where the hawk was wounded. Grimancing in pain, Natsuki looked upward to the sound of the hawk's cry. Seeing the hawk falling down, she let out a yell. The hawk plummet to the ground at fast rate, "No." Natsuki whispered. The hawk managed to spread its wings to glide before it reached the ground. Ant cut off her restraints and pulled off her gag.
Angered, Natsuki grabbed the arrow and pulled it out of her. The soldier, who shot her charged. Keeping her body bent over as if in great pain, she used the same arrow to strike into the belly of the soldier. One more soldier came out of hiding and begun to charge but seeing Natsuki pulling out her own sword and an icy glare in her eye, the soldier turned his horse around and ran off. Ant turned to watch Natsuki pull in the opposite direction and followed. Natsuki rode until she was several feet away from the injured hawk. She slid off Duran and kept her hold on the sword. Then with cautious movement, she pierced the ground with her sword.

With slow steady movements, she made her way to the hawk. To Ant, it looked as if Natsuki was approaching a timid deer in hopes of not scaring it off. Natsuki knelt next to the hawk with disbelief in her eyes. "Easy. It's alright.' Seeing blood seeping around the arrow, Natsuki felt her heart break. "Oh no." Afraid to touch the hawk in fear of causing it more pain, she looked around until she spotted Ant. "Get me a piece of cloth from my saddle bag." Her voice torn as she turned back to the hawk. With a gentle touch to its neck, "Don't be afraid. It's okay, it's all right." She soothed with her voice. Ant ran up to them with the cloth in her hands. Continuing with her words of reassurance, Natsuki wrapped the hawk gentle with the cloth, "You'll live."

Cradling the hawk, Natsuki faced Ant with determination. "Take her, find help!" She ordered. Her voice firm.

"Me, sir?" Ant backed away in fear.

"You're the only one I have." Her voice grew icier.

"Look, sir, the poor thing is done for." The moment those words left Ant's mouth, a look from Natsuki caused Ant to fear for her life.

Violently grabbing Ant's shirt, Natsuki shook her so hard that Ant felt as if her head would fall off. "Never say that to me again. Never say that." Seeing the widened fearful look in Ant's eyes, Natsuki forced her temper to lower. Feeling utterly helpless and Ant was not helping the situation. Natsuki needed to keep the hawk safe and alive and with every passing second, the chances were dwindling. Clenching her teeth, she looked around, "Follow that road. You'll find a ruined castle. There's a monk named, Kaiji Sakomizu. Give him the hawk, he will know what to do." Natsuki looked down at the injured hawk and her heart was bleeding as much as the hawk was.

"Sir, I don't think you understand-"

"Get on my horse." Natsuki's voice left no room for argument.

"You're the only one who can ride him." Ant pointed out.

Fearing for the hawk, Natsuki's temper was close to exploding. If she wasn't careful, she was going to kill this girl. "You will do as I say, get on my horse.' Sensing hesitation, Natsuki let her temper flare, "NOW!"

Ant trembled, she mounted the horse with shaky legs. Natsuki's eyes looked upon the hawk again with a torn look before lifting it into the awaiting arms of Ant, "Careful." She cautioned. Making sure that the hawk was saftely nestled in the girl's arm, Natsuki continued her orders. Her glare and tone sharpened, "And know this, if you fail, I will follow you until the length of my days." She threatened. Her fists were tightly clenched as her fear and worry grew, "And I will find you." Making eye contact to show just how serious the situation was, Natsuki looked into Ant's eyes to see that she had gotten the knight's clear message. "Go." As the horse passed her, Natsuki gave the rump a hard slap to quicken its pace.

Natsuki slowly walked toward her sword holding onto her injured shoulder. She watched as Ant disappeared from view. She fell down to her knees and with all her might, she prayed to the Lord Almighty to please insure that the hawk lives. Never had she prayed so hard in her life. A fear she only imagined and had hoped would never come true. Natsuki bowed her head in silent prayer.

AN: Okay, the third chapter is out. My poor wrists were hurting so much during this entire chapter. I hate that. This happened to be one of my favorite scenes where "Mouse" told Navarre about what he had seen that night and Navarre's response to it. I thought that was one of the best script moments.

Anyway, thank you so much for your reviews; I don't think you realize how much they encourage me to continue writing. It's nice to see that people appreciate your work and voice it. Here are to the people, who have reviewed.

hit . dana : Thanks, I found this movie to be perfect for the couple.

A: I will try my best even if my fingers fall off.

Box850: Thanks for the encouragement!

KumaKuma: I'm actually surprised at how many people know about this movie. Because every time I have mentioned this movie to anyone, they always give me a blank stare. lol

Kurakami: I love your review! Thank you so much for the support, I whole-heartily agree about the roles of the characters. Also, I was hoping someone would have noticed the cameo names of Nina and Erstin.

DnDsKit: Yeah, I love this movie and every time I watch or think about it, I keep picturing Natsuki and Shizuru throughout the entire film. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.

ALEXISSA2: Thank you for the review, I'm glad you are enjoying the fic thus far!