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 3

Authored by tlice

Translated by glowie

Dec 7696, Natsuki Kruger accompanied Lieutenant Owen, Head of Army Advisor for the 3rd Division on a routine inspection on the front lines. This is often hoisted as the major turning point in Natsuki Kruger's life. Regrettably, at this point in time, we do not see traces of Shizuru Viola.

"Attention!" warned the officer doubling as a lookout hissed.

A few officers reflectively jerked up their bodies into attention. The leader, an orange-haired ensign, deftly swept up the cards and hid them under the table while straightening up her body and reported. "Army Advisor for 3rd Division Ensign Tokiha..."

"Mai?" the person at the entrance asked seemingly surprised.

"Natsuki!"

"Mai's classmate?!"

"Ahh! Why do your footsteps have to sound like that old crone Maria!" the lookout mumbled grudgingly.

"It's not like you to let the lack of formality slide, Natsuki." Mai said while dragging her friend to the side. "Life on the front lines has finally made you see the light?"

"Of course not!" denied Natsuki, "It's just that I heard there are people here who are familiar with the Director of General Logistics and his family..."

Wide eyed, a surprised Mai gasped "And I thought you were never interested in gossip!"

"That family?" an officer decided to chip in "I heard the General's eldest son is a nut job, fond of abuse and stuff."

"He is crazy about warfare. Man, he even treats that kind of thing like a war..."

"Yeah… I heard he likes hearing girls scream, he's a psycho alright."

"Natsuki, Natsuki?" Mai enquired worriedly as she noticed her friend's face seemed paler by the second. "Are you okay?"

"Requested by: Natsuki Kruger;"
"Reason: Visiting relatives;"
"Destination: Fuuka City."

Lieutenant Owen could feel a headache forming while reading the brief and to the point report. "Lieutenant Kruger, this doesn't seem..."

"Please sir, you must help me!"

"Huh?" Kruger... using such formality and actually said please? (-1-)

Upon opening the door, colors flushed from Shizuru's face. "I thought we've agreed, if you have need of me, I can go over to your place. Please, don't..."

"Ahh... it cannot he helped, I am simply too busy, especially regarding the issues of dispatching officers to the frontlines, " the man oozing of arrogance, ignoring the protest locked stares with crimson red eyes, its owner unwilling to open the door further. With gleaming eyes and an evil smile dripping with malice, "Oh yes... I've heard of a Lieutenant Kruger impressive indeed, promoted in less than a year and is currently inspecting the frontlines. Such a talented officer, maybe we should permanently place her there!" he added, a disgusting smug forming on his face.

Hands gripping the doorknob turned white upon hearing the threat... "Come in." (-2-)

"Do you have fireworks? No... not the normal ones. I'm looking for the fancy ones usually used in a celebration by the nobles, the ones manufactured in Artai."

"Is this the one? This one was very popular a few years ago."

"Hey! Your change!" the shopkeeper calls out to the disappearing figure seemingly in a hurry to make good use of the fireworks. "Sigh... youngsters these days are so romantic." he chuckled.

"Ahh... It's your birthday today, Shizuru."

"If I can make you scream for me today, I win okay? Shizuru?"

"Amazing... such endurance. If you cry and beg me, I can stop you know."

The man laugh maniacally as he pushed harder increasing the ferocity of his punishment. Looking at the stubborn and defiant woman taking it all in without even a whimper, who would rather bit down her lips drawing red, refusing to give him the pleasure he seek, "Such persistence... how foolish." he mocked.

How foolish indeed! Why? The moment I've let him in, I've decided to give him what he wanted... Why? Why do I still persist? Why do I feel so disgusted now? So hateful? Even knowing this would only anger him more... still I would not want to submit. Why?

Natsuki... it's because Natsuki was here before... in this very place. It's because I do not want this side of me to taint this place... the only clean place...

But... it is all lost now... I have nothing now, there is no longer any clean place left in this world for me.

Natsuki. (-3-)

"Mai!"

The orange-haired woman turned around upon hearing her name, hurriedly released the arms of a young ensign and pushed him a few steps away.

Regaining her composure she tried to sound calm, "Nat... Natsuki! Tate and I were..."

"Please! I need your help!" Natsuki pleaded with urgency in her eyes, arms carrying a huge bundle of fireworks.

"Huh?" Relieved that her secret is safe, the ever caring friend immediately caught on to Natsuki's intention.

She playfully gave Natsuki a smack in the back before she teased. "Who's the lucky one? Who are you trying to woo?"

"Wo...Woo?!" the ever serious Lieutenant turned crimson at that comment but that quickly dampen, "I only want to make that person happy... apart from that, I am unable to..."

Reading helplessness and pain from within dimmed green orbs, Mai tried to lighten the atmosphere by punching Natsuki hard on her shoulder and joked, "Seriously! Fireworks? Shouldn't you be giving flowers instead? Fireworks do not last long you know."

"That person prefers flowers to stay in their branches not plucked." As if she remembered something a light blush found itself on Natsuki's cheeks. Brushing it off, she pointed to a light within an apartment.

"When that light goes off..."

"We're to set off the fireworks?" Mai finished the rest of the instruction for Natsuki.

"Tate, " Mai smiled happily as she watches her friend eagerly ran into the building, feeling elated and relieved. " that fellow finally learned something about romance!"

Notes:
WAIT!!! Gimme a MINUTE!
-Quickly wears her flameproof suit and runs into her bunker-
OK... you guys can TRY -smirk- to kill me now... -grin-

I KNOW (try RE-READING this constantly while translating them...) this is painful... but trust me... this story is really beautiful... the pain is gonna be worth it.
As the saying goes... what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger! -grin-

Thanks for the reviews guys! Just remember... if you ran out of tomatoes... I'll accept any other form of vegetables.
(I think I'll pass on fruits though... they bruise...)

Remarks:
1. Natsuki being on equal rank as Owen referred him as "sir". Since English do not have special honorifics like Chinese or Japanese, I have no choice here but to use sir. The Chinese actual text uses something akin to "sama".

2. If you're wondering who that 'man' was ... he is non other than the General's nut job of a son. Oliver is his name. (refer to Natsuki's earlier exchange with Mai and the officers of 3rd Division)

3. Yes... the worst thing possible happened.