Destiny Awaits

A Mai HiME Destiny Fan Fiction

Note: It's been a few years since I last updated any of my stories. Recently, I've reread some of them and it's reminded me why I loved the characters of Shizuru and Natsuki. I was rather fond of the potential Destiny had as well, so I thought this would be as good as any to update. I'd like to work on this and Blood Letting for the time being; working on any more than that might be a bit impractical.

On another note, does anyone know where I can find a summary of the rest of the events that occurred in Mai HiME Destiny? I've not read past chapter five or six and can't find a translation on any of the old sites that housed them. I'd just like an overview of all twelve chapters as a reference for this one. :)

Timeline: Begins a few months before the start of the Destiny Novels.

Dedication: For my Li'l Tiger.

Enemies. That word had been haunting Natsuki since the previous night. She couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her chest either. Why now, of all times, did she have to be bothered by the situation? She had been contented before to continue as she had, to remain distant from the people around her. It was better that way. She couldn't trust a single person at this academy, let alone rely on someone. That was why her faction hadn't grown. I don't need anyone anyway.

But, that wasn't entirely true either. When she couldn't get information through normal channels, she'd go to Shizuru. The Student Council President held most of the power in the school and if she wasn't aware of something, it wasn't worth knowing. At least, that was what Natsuki had learned. But that didn't mean she needed Shizuru, did it? She could manage fine without the information the Kaichou provided, it was just convenient she had access to it. Right?

But that wasn't what really bothered her about their relationship. It was their physical exchanges that messed with her head. She had always put it out of her mind before; they were enjoyable after all, and it was a way for her to expend her pent up psychic energies after combat. Since when had emotion crept into it though? She sighed, not sure if she wanted to contemplate this matter yet.

She was definitely feeling something when she was with Shizuru, the aching in her chest was evidence of that. But what was it? She doubted it was so simple as to be one single emotion. More annoyingly, she had no idea how Shizuru felt. Was she merely using her to satiate her own needs? Was she manipulating her? Or was there some genuine affection involved? Bah, I'll never figure this out on my own.

If Shizuru had been anyone other than the Student Council President, then things would probably have been simpler for them. Would we even interact if she was just a normal student? She let out another sigh at that thought. This was pointless; she'd just end up going around in circles if she continued this train of thought. Part of her knew the only way she'd get any kind of answer was to talk to Shizuru about it. And that was something she couldn't do.

At that moment, she looked up from her small haven under a particularly large oak on the school grounds to see the sun beginning to dip behind the academy's main building. How long have I been out here? She decided she should go back to her dormitory room and keep out of trouble for the night. She didn't need any more confrontations with the Munakata faction, not until she figured out what their plans were anyway. She knew they wanted supreme power in the academy but Natsuki had a feeling there was some other motivation.

Picking her school bag up and lifting herself to her feet, Natsuki strolled across the grass towards the dormitory buildings. The walk back was, thankfully, uneventful and she quickly came to the door that led to her room. She was one of a few students outside of the Council circle that had been assigned a single room and she was definitely glad of that. Not only did it allow her some privacy but she was able to come and go as she pleased without a roommate to worry about.

She unhooked her keys from her bag and unlocked the door before stepping inside. She locked the door behind her and dropped her bag to the floor. The dormitory room was fairly well equipped and she had everything here that she needed to get by. There was a small kitchenette in one corner of the room with a desk and chair in the area next to it. A small bookcase stood against one wall and a single bed was tucked into another corner. There was only one door, apart from the entrance to the dorm room, and that led to her bathroom.

She immediately moved to her bed and sat upon it, her eyes going to the bedside table. There sat a small frame with a photo sheltered within it. A smiling young Natsuki sat nestled in the protective embrace of a dark haired woman with glasses. Mother... A day didn't go by that she didn't think of her. Even after all of these years, the pain of her loss gripped at her chest. There was a deep, hollow feeling there whenever she tried to remember her.

Perhaps it was the tragic circumstances of her mother's death that made it so hard to deal with it. Natsuki had even been in the car when the accident had happened, but the memories were vague and patchy at best. That's probably a good thing. She couldn't bear thinking about it at that moment though, so she stood abruptly and moved to her desk. On it sat a laptop, which she stared at blankly for a few minutes. What am I going to do anyway?

Before she could decide, a knocking sounded from the direction of the door that led into her dorm room. Who could that be? Possibilities rushed through her mind. Choosing to err on the side of caution, she summoned one of her pistols and walked over to the door. She wondered when the academy was going to install peepholes in the doors. It would help with security. Then again, not many crimes happened on school grounds. Not with the disciplinary committee and the Student Council around.

Natsuki unlocked the door and turned the handle, cracking open the door only a little and peering through the gap. She inwardly groaned when she saw the red hair and annoying grin that greeted her. She quickly de-summoned her pistol and opened the door further without saying a word. Nao stood there, arms folded across her torso, with an expectant look on her face.

After a few moments, Natsuki decided to break the silence. "What do you want?"

Nao's grin widened. "Can't a classmate just pop by to see how you're doing?"

Natsuki's eye narrowed as she frowned. "Like you care. Just spit it out already."

"Hmph," Nao huffed and shrugged. "Gonna let me in, or what?"

Not moving an inch, Natsuki shook her head. "No."

The redhead let out a frustrated sigh and laid a palm on the outside of the dorm door. "I was curious."

Natsuki's eyebrows rose slightly. "About what?"

Glancing from side to side meaningfully, Nao leant in closer. "You sure you want everyone to know your personal business, Kuga?"

When she puts it like that... "Ugh, fine. Come in then," Natsuki conceded, ensuring the other girl knew exactly how put out she felt.

She didn't like anyone entering her personal space, especially someone as annoying as Nao, but if the other girl had anything useful to say then she could put up with it for now. She would throw her out the moment she proved she was being a nuisance, though. She watched as Nao looked around with an openly interested expression.

"You're not here to sightsee, Yuuki. Get on with what you were saying," Natsuki stated bluntly.

Nao turned to look at her, that grin never leaving her face. "Oh yeah, as I was saying... I was curious. I wanted to know what kind of punishment the disciplinary committee was forcing on you."

Natsuki blinked blankly at her. Punishment? It hadn't even occurred to her that her actions from the previous days would be met with resistance from the authorities in the academy. But now that she thought about it, it was odd that Suzushiro hadn't tracked her down.

"Huh?" Nao's grin was gone now, much to Natsuki's satisfaction, and was replaced with a look of confusion. "Don't tell me you got away with it?"

Natsuki rubbed the back of her neck and avoided the other girl's eyes. Just how was she meant to explain that? "Alright, I won't then."

Nao's eyebrow twitched. "What the hell? You caught up in two fights and you don't get so much as a frickin' detention?"

Clearing her throat, Natsuki held up her hands in a defensive posture. "It's not like that. I got a warning from the Council," she insisted.

Nao eyed her suspiciously for a moment. "A warning? Big deal. You keep breakin' rules and you keep getting away with it. This ain't the first time, Kuga!"

Natsuki let out a sigh and placed her hands on her hips. "Did you come here just to shout at me? If that's the case, you can just leave."

The redhead continued to eye her. "No... The reason I was asking, actually, is because a couple of those girls got suspended."

"Suspended?" she asked in surprise.

"You didn't know, huh? Well, yeah, they were. Don't know the names but I think we can guess who. What I don't get is why you're not joining them," she explained as she prodded a finger in Natsuki's direction.

Could this be her doing? "I... really don't know."

Nao seemed to regard for a few moments before turning and pacing around the room. She let her gaze wander over Natsuki's possessions, which caused the dark haired girl to feel increasingly more uncomfortable with the redhead's presence. "You've got it pretty cushy here, eh?" Nao finally spoke.

Natsuki didn't answer; she just continued to watch as Nao walked around her room.

"It makes me wonder why," Nao murmured as if not speaking to anyone in particular.

"That's none of your business!" Natsuki spat defensively.

Nao peered over her shoulder at Natsuki, an eyebrow raised. "Oh? So there's a reason why?"

Natsuki crossed her arms tightly over her chest and jutted out her chin. "Of course. There's a reason for everything."

Natsuki cringed as Nao let out a laugh. "Who would have thought that you'd be so philosophical, Kuga?"

She could feel her pulse quicken under her skin as her annoyance rose. "I didn't mean it like that!"

The redhead came to a stop by Natsuki's bed and stared at the photograph sitting on her bedside table, a small chuckle leaving her lips. "Aw, isn't Kuga cute?"

Natsuki lurched forwards in anger and snatched the photograph out of Nao's line of sight, clutching it to her chest. "Get the hell out."

Nao looked back at her in surprise. "Hit a nerve, did I?"

Natsuki jabbed a thumb in the direction of the door. "Didn't you hear me?"

The other girl waved a hand dismissively and turned towards the door. "Not that it matters. You might have it good here, but you've still got a lot to worry about."

Natsuki's eyes narrowed at her words. "What do you mean?"

"Oh come on, you have that Munakata after you. As soon as other people realise you're an easy target, you think they'll be the only ones out for your blood?"

Natsuki felt a chill creep down her neck. Was that true? "I... don't care. I'll take them all on," she said defiantly.

Her determination was suddenly deflated when the sound of Nao clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth repeatedly met her ears. "Even you can't possibly be that thick-headed," her words caused Natsuki's blood to simmer but she continued nevertheless. "Here's a friendly warning, Kuga. Choose your battles wisely. I might not know what's going on around this academy but it's bigger than the both of us."

Natsuki could only stare after her as she sauntered over to the door. "W-wait," she called out, taking a few steps towards the other girl.

Nao glanced over her shoulder, apparently pleased that she'd unsettled Natsuki. "Hm?"

"What do you know, Yuuki?" she demanded.

The redhead was clearly enjoying the sense of power she had gained from this situation and her eyes glinted with amusement. "Now wouldn't that be telling?"

Natsuki gritted her teeth. "Dammit, stop playing around."

The grin dropped from Nao's face instantly and she turned on the dark haired girl, anger flashing across her features. "No, Kuga, you're the idiot who's playing around! You're getting yourself entangled in all kinds of crap and you don't even realise the danger you're in!"

"What the hell's that supposed mean?"

Nao stomped over to Natsuki and poked her in the chest with one finger. "Haven't you realised it yet? All the power struggles in this damned school?"

Natsuki swatted her hand away. "Of course I have," she growled.

"Have you really?" Nao continued. "It's a very fine balance. If you opened your eyes for once, you'd be able to see that."

"That's why things have to change," Natsuki retorted.

Nao shook her head, strands of red hair falling in her face. "You think it's that easy? If you upset the hive, you're gonna get stung."

"Cut the bullshit, Yuuki. If you know something, just tell me already!"

Letting out a long breath, Nao eyed her for a while before answering. "I don't know the details," she began and she scowled at Natsuki's subsequent eye roll. "But I've been watching for a long time. There's something going on behind the scenes and there's only a few people with the power to control what's going on."

"Oh?" Natsuki said skeptically. "And who might they be?"

Nao brought a hand up to stroke her chin. "Well, the obvious ones are the Principal and Chairwoman, who seem pretty intent on making sure no one gets hurt around here. But, it's hard to say since I don't get to see them often. Then, of course, there's the self-righteous Council. They might keep things safe but they've got way too much power for a mere student body."

"You're not really telling me anything I don't already know," Natsuki pointed out.

Another "hmph" came from Nao. "You think so? Well, how about applying that knowledge of yours then? Ever wonder why they're trying so hard to keep control?"

That made Natsuki pause. She'd always assumed the rigid rules and extreme discipline was for the sake of order on academy grounds. It was especially important because there were MiKOs attending the academy. But, maybe it's all because of us.

"I think you're beginning to get it, Kuga," Nao grinned at her once more. "Now ask yourself this - why are there so many MiKO in one place?"

Natsuki had no idea Nao was such a deep thinker. Why was she even so interested in these matters? She had seemed so nonchalant about everything, as if nothing mattered to her. But, apparently, something did. Just what is it though? What's she getting out of talking to me? Her brow furrowed as she contemplated Nao's words. She has a point though. Why are we all here and how did they get us here? Are there more MiKO out there?

"You know, I always found it strange how I was invited to attend this academy when I hadn't even applied," Nao broke into Natsuki's thoughts. "But a free ride's a free ride, you know?"

Natsuki nodded absent-mindedly. That hadn't been the case for her. Her education had been paid for by her late mother; all the arrangements had been made via her will. Natsuki attended Fuuka Academy because it was her mother's last wish. But now she was beginning to wonder why.

Nao covered her mouth dramatically and made overly loud yawning sounds. "Anyway, it's late, and I've bored you enough with my ranting. I should get going."

"You're dropping that in my lap and just ditching?" Natsuki gaped.

Nao gave her a faux-sweet smile. "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you further."

Natsuki seethed. "And what exactly and I meant to do with all these questions you've given me?"

"That," Nao began, as she headed for the door, "is entirely up to you. I'm sure you'll think of something completely disruptive to the academy!"

All Natsuki could do was scowl after the redhead as she slipped out of her dormitory room. Arguing with her was not going to clear anything up. But now Natsuki had a headache and even more concerns to deal with. If what Nao suggests is true, then who can I trust?

Rei Kanzaki, Principal of Fuuka Academy, was not one to take insolence lightly, nor was he receptive to those who broke his rules. Fortunately for the boy in front of him, his was a special case. Nagi Homura was favoured by the school's benefactors so he generally escaped most forms of punishment. Rei didn't like favouritism but he had no choice in this matter.

The little runt is annoying but one can't go upsetting the hand that feeds us. He peered down at the light haired boy with barely contained scorn but Nagi seemed completely unaffected by the glare. That irked Rei. It was something he had learned to contain, though, since he'd had to deal with him for some time. Still, he wished he could take a cane to him all the same.

"Something I can do for you, Principal, sir?" Nagi cooed in his best mocking tone.

Rei gave him another scathing look. "How many times are you going to antagonise your classmates, boy?"

Nagi cocked his head to one side. "Whatever do you mean, Principal?"

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Rei sat forward in his high-backed chair and rested his elbows on his desk. "You know very well what I refer to."

Nagi let out a childish laugh. "Of course, of course. I can't help it if I find them so tiresome though, can I?"

The Principal's brow furrowed as he spoke. "You must. Do not think you can escape punishment forever."

Another laugh. "Ohoho. You're a funny one, sir."

My patience is certainly being tested today. "Don't push me, boy. I can easily have you returned to our generous benefactors and I shall allow them to discipline you."

The threat in his tone obviously didn't go unnoticed and Nagi stopped his chuckling. "Alright, alright. Keep your hair on," Nagi grinned at the Principal before dramatically covering his mouth with one hand. "Oops, my bad."

The boy's obvious jibe at his baldness didn't get the rise he had hoped for but it still irked the Principal. He refused to let that show, however. "Now, remember our deal, okay?"

Nagi studied him for a few moments, his hand still covering his mouth. Rei wondered what was going through his devious little mind but settled on the fact that he'd rather not know. "Sure thing, boss-guy," Nagi chimed with a mock salute.

A piercing scream shattered the serenity within the Fuuka Academy grounds. The sound travelled even further than it would have during the day but its range did not matter. It was aimed at only one individual and she was very close to it. Natsuki Kuga knelt on the ground, cowering with her hands over her ears. She grimaced in pain as the screech continued to perforate the silence.

She began to tremble and she was sure her ears would burst if the noise continued. Thankfully, it suddenly came to an end but it continued to ring in her ears. So much so that she couldn't hear anything else. She slowly opened her eyes and peered through her lashes at the figure of Shiho several meters away. Her voice was truly a dangerous weapon. A good a reason as any to ram my fist down that throat of hers, she thought.

Shiho walked towards her at a leisurely pace, obviously not finding Natsuki much of a threat. This both irked and amused the dark haired girl. She was glad that her opponent was underestimating her but it was still a blow to her fragile ego. Shiho stopped just in front of her and sneered down at her. Natsuki decided to bide her time until she saw a suitable opening.

"Now do you realise how weak you actually are?" she gloated, a menacing grin on her face.

Natsuki gritted her teeth. "You think... you'll get away with this?" Natsuki managed to force the words out even though it sent spikes of pain shooting through her head to do so.

Her question seemed to amuse her foe. "Of course. Survival of the fittest, Natsuki Kuga. That's how this academy works."

Thankfully, Natsuki's head had started to clear now and the ringing in her ears was fading. She watched the other girl carefully, assessing each of her movements. She didn't respond to what Shiho had said, she knew bating her at this point would be a bad idea.

"Nothing to say for yourself?" Shiho seemed a little surprised. "So, you concede then?"

Natsuki slowly shook her head.

Shiho snorted. "Of course you wouldn't. I was hoping you'd be stubborn, it'll make breaking you all that more satisfying." She raised an open hand up, presumably readying to backhand Natsuki. "You'll pay for getting my girls suspended!"

Natsuki pushed herself off of the ground with her legs and rolled to the side as Shiho screamed out at her. The attacking hand missed her completely and she was able to regain her footing and turn towards her attacker before Shiho had recovered.

"They did that themselves!" Natsuki spat, using the break in attack to concentrate her energies. She held her arms away from her body and felt power surge down to her hands. It swirled for a moment before materialising into two sleek, silver pistols.

Shiho had recovered from the sudden evasion now and was glaring directly at Natsuki. Her gaze twitched to the pistols and Natsuki noticed the sharp intake of breath that came after. She's gonna... Reacting instinctively, she squeezed the trigger on her right pistol, forcing a small amount of her psychic energy into the action. The shot rang out in the night air and then a scream filled the air once more.

This scream wasn't an attack, however. Shiho fell to her knees and clutched her shoulder. Although there would be no injury there, Natsuki knew it would feel as though a real bullet had torn through her shoulder. Her psychic bullets were more than capable of inflicting real injuries but that was dependent on how much power she put into them. She didn't want to kill Shiho but she certainly wanted to make her hurt for a while.

She aimed one of her pistols levelly with her foe's head. The pigtailed girl appeared to be recovering now and she looked up at Natsuki with murderous intent in her eyes. "Unless you want to taste more of that, I wouldn't move if I were you."

"You bitch!" Shiho hissed.

It was somewhat satisfying hearing the girl say that. It meant Natsuki had the advantage. "Perhaps I'm not as weak as you thought me to be."

"This doesn't mean anything!" Shiho shouted and she was now shaking with barely contained anger.

Natsuki probably shouldn't be taunting Shiho but she just couldn't help herself. She really deserved it. "Can't you do anything without your groupies around?"

Apparently, that was a step too far and Shiho let out a deafening cry. The shock-wave from the sound knocked Natsuki off of her feet and she inwardly cursed her own stupidity. She landed uncomfortably on her back, losing her grip on one of her pistols. It tumbled across the grass and disappeared.

Seeming to forget the use of her powers for the moment, Shiho charged across the distance between them and was soon upon Natsuki, her fingers clawing frantically at the dark haired girl's face. She's completely lost it! She held her arms up above her in an attempt to protect herself but she was getting scratched from the frenzied attack.

Desperately trying to dislodge the other girl, Natsuki bucked her hips, forcing Shiho to lose her balance. She rolled them both and used her own body weight to pin her foe. She grabbed Shiho's flailing arms and restrained her as best she could.

There was a panicked look in Shiho's eyes and she bared her teeth into a snarl. "What the hell's wrong with you?" Natsuki yelled.

"This is all your fault!" Shiho screamed and Natsuki wondered if she was losing her grip on reality.

She became aware of people approaching but she couldn't take her attention away from the girl who was still struggling under her. "What is? What is your problem?"

"You and that bitch-mother of yours!" Shiho spat.

Natsuki's blood felt as though it had frozen in her veins. Mother... In her surprise, Shiho had managed to get a hand free and slapped Natsuki across the face. The force of the blow caused her to lose her grip completely on Shiho. The other girl didn't have the chance to act on the opening, however, as strong hands pulled Natsuki off of her in an instant.

Still reeling from Shiho's words, it took her a while to realise Haruka Suzushiro had her gripped firmly from behind, her hands tight on Natsuki's shoulders. Two boys who were also part of the Disciplinary Committee now had Shiho pinned to the ground and it was all they could do to keep her from attacking Natsuki again. A timid-faced Yukino Kikukawa glanced in concern between the two girls.

"What's going on here?" Haruka demanded in her usual authoritative tone.

Natsuki ignored her and stared straight at Shiho. "What did you mean? What do you know about my mother?" she demanded.

"Stop it, Kuga. You're in enough trouble already," came Haruka's voice again.

Shiho only glared back at her hatefully, her hair in disarray and her eyes wild. "It's all your fault!" she repeated.

"Tell me!" Natsuki shouted.

Haruka pulled on Natsuki roughly. "Enough! Take Munakata away quickly!" she yelled to the boys.

They nodded and hauled Shiho to her feet, struggling with her every step of the way as they led her back towards the school buildings. "No! Wait!" Natsuki called out to them.

She could only look on in confusion as Shiho disappeared inside the academy's main building. As she continued to stare after her, she noticed the form of Shizuru standing next to the doorway Shiho had just entered. She couldn't even think about why she was watching from there though. Shiho's words continued to echo in her mind.

Mother..?

A/N: For some reason, ffdotnet's document uploader loves testing my patience. Tried uploading a Word document as both Docx and as Story and there was always something wrong with the formatting. So, I had the same problem in this story as I did in Blood Letting. All the scene breaks had disappeared and the "!" and "?" combo doesn't show up so I've had to just put in question marks.