A/N: This story belongs to 0tori0 san who has kindly allowed me to continue it in her stead. I can only carry forth the story; the heart may differ somewhat. Nevertheless, I have done my best to capture the world of Hime, whence the famous Masked Duchess shall end up in a series of battles, trials and discovery! If you feel that something doesn't quite feel right or if somehow what you derived from Love As You Will before has changed; feel free to review or, if its long and critical, PM me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime, nor do I own this fanfiction, nor the characters, or circumstances. However, I DO own the rights to give you a lemon, so feel free to flatter me! In addition, flattering my AWESOME beta, Ethereal Forest and GREAT and very sexy quality personnel Nuadin will work just as well. And I'm going to be using this opportunity to thank these two. This thank you is a pleasure too. Nuadin has been helping me out on various ventures and not only is a wonderful and steadfast friend but also a great writer and a true inspiration. Love her! As for my other shout-out, all the credit for making this fanfiction grammatically sound and smooth in transition goes to my great awesome beta Ethereal Forest. Various ideas and lines in the following chapters as well as the omakes have been inspired or at times completely written by him. I thank him for his kind and genuine support as well as his (no other word for it) awesome friendship. You can see his wonderful works here in FF, among which my current favorite is 'Women in Love' written for the GirlFriends manga series. One last reminder, the foreword, title, omake and some parts of this chapter are not Beta-ed. And thank you to all of you! Happy reading~
Chie grappled with boredom. Albeit she was a knight with infinite patience, but off duty she couldn't be expected to handle such insolence of time. It moved too slowly. Here she was, gazing at a highly adorned, intricately framed fresco on the ceiling, and instead of being enraptured with it, she was looking for cracks.
Aoi...when will you be here?
It was getting a bit difficult reining her need to see the beautiful maid. The muffled and distorted sound of the town clock striking four broke the monotony and the statuesque knight managed a sighed. She finally tore her sorrel-hued eyes away from the artwork and closed them. Her ebony tresses were arrayed on the cream couch, her looks and Athenian build dashingly displayed in her military attire. It was all too perfect for Aoi not to see and Chie preferred her long-haired companion did. The clock, however, seemed to have had other plans.
It's four already...Shizuru must have dealt with the red tape at the court by now. She should be heading to the barracks soon.
Chie let out a soft sigh once more and smiled to herself. There was no escaping the inevitable. She had long since discovered if one wanted to stretch time, it was best to do so judiciously.
I guess I don't get to tell you the story after all Aoi...
Just as she began to resign herself to leaving a note, a dull creak pervaded the room followed by soft and impossibly gentle footsteps.
"Gomen Chie-kun," a tender voice said as someone crossed the carpet lightly. "Mashiro-chan needed me. Gomen," whispered that person, coming close to where Chie sat until she stood right in front of the knight. The newcomer bent down and paused, making it obvious that she was looking at Chie closely. Chie opened her eyes. Brown met blue and an infinite understanding passed between them. Chie felt her heart stop and thump louder all at once.
I missed you too.
Before Chie could say that, warm hands pressed against her cheeks and soft lips met her own. Chasing the long kiss she knelt down as well and held her Aoi close, their breaths mingling.
They fell apart to breathe and started laughing, the day's anxiety gradually receding.
Her lover's melodious laughter pervaded the room and Chie gazed lovingly at the brown haired beauty in front of her. You look beautiful when you laugh Aoi.
She could remember the first day she heard Aoi laugh. It was the same day they had met, and her first day as the next in command to the Duchess Fujino. She had tagged along during her visit to the princess and had acted rakish much to the amusement of a hidden spectator, her Aoi. It wasn't a first glance love affair. She took days to comprehend she was, in fact, in love. Then one fine day they were on a date when Aoi had looked at her and smiled, and Chie had found herself smiling in return. It dawned on her then; there was simply no one like Aoi.
A touch drew her out of her reverie. Aoi was looking at her curiously.
"Chie-kun?"
"Uh...gomen. I was just admiring your beauty and lost myself."
"Chie!" The gentle reproaching nudge on her arm was completely worth the flushed Aoi.
Hehe. Gotcha! Mmm, soon it will be all over and I'll have plenty of time to catch this flush of yours. Speaking of which...
"Aoi, my love...if you hit me for this, then I wonder what you will do in the long run?"
A quizzical look. "Long run?"
"Hai. You know, what generally couples do after the sun goes down~"
And there it was again. "CHIE!"
Chie laughed mirthfully, dodging and defending her head as the demure beauty in front of her had grabbed the nearest pillow and started to pummel her relentlessly with it. After she finally saved herself from the flaying, the knight grabbed her lover's arm gently and brought her close to herself.
"Aoi..." she said and looked into the brown haired girl's eyes, asking a muted question.
Her lover averted her eyes and softly said her name. Chie sighed and smiled once more. Why must you insist? But I guess I love you even more for it.
She reached out and kissed Aoi's hand reassuringly. "Ah! I almost forgot! I have amazing news to tell you. You will never believe it! Last night our Lady had an encounter with The Masked Duchess!"
Aoi reacted visibly as predicted and Chie nodded.
Shizuru could probably wait a while...
The dust clinging to the streets was wilfully dislodged as Chie's brown horse galloped past stands, shops and houses alike. The fair preparations had already begun. The night market was one of Chie's favourite things about the city. Under the guidance of Queen Fumi, ten years back, a pact was made with friendly countries like Aswad and the Aries Republic, which not only boosted trade but also tourism. It was at six in the evening that the heart of the city market would open, laying itself down for the hustle and bustle of foreign traders and domestic suppliers. The only place in all of Hime where such a marvellous fair would occur every night during the spring season was the capital Fuuka. Many people thronged the city from all over and it made security a tight affair. She herself counted twenty heads of armour as she crossed the intersection between the market and the outer ring.
There will be plenty more to come as the season progresses. We have to hurry up, she mused and spurred her horse faster.
It was lucky for her to have been working under Lady Fujino. Horses and conveyances were strictly forbidden inside the city; only nobles were allowed to possess them and only three nobles could extend that permission to their entourage, one being Lady Fujino.
A smart choice indeed Chie. I'm glad I didn't choose to become a merchant like father. Then again he would have laughed at the pickle I'll be putting myself into in a few days.
She grinned as she tore down the outer road and residential area, warranting covert glares by the pedestrians. No doubt many thought her mad, but the mirth was due. Her father had been in the Aries military and had been known for his wonderful capacity to get embroiled in scandals. Sick and tired of the constant ill luck, he shifted his family and his occupation to Fuuka, after the Homura revolution.
Like father, like daughter dad. I'll be sure to carry your legacy.
Not that she hadn't already. For her father's remarkable trait had often to do with his flair for charming women, or his propensity to charm them. A blue rose in his hand, he used to brag that he had saved many girls. Until mom beat him with the baton. Well that much mom and Aoi have in common.
Still chuckling over the revelation, Chie glanced at her surroundings. She was at the city wall and the east gate guard stood before her. She was to meet Shizuru here and travel with her to the barracks.
"It is imperative for a noble to always have their knight when venturing out of Fuuka, Chie," Shizuru had proclaimed to Chie on their first trip outside.
"Yes My Lady," was her own answer but she couldn't help but wonder what kind of protecting Shizuru would need. She had seen her spar and sparred with her as well and Chie knew that no one was as formidable as Shizuru Fujino was, or as perceptive. Because just as the thought had crossed Chie's mind, Shizuru had added, "Not that I need it. However, it displays proper etiquette in power circles. It also tells my enemies I'm not alone. Moreover, today when we enter the barracks and meet the soldiers, it will impress upon them a solidarity between their two superiors."
Shizuru thought of everything. Chie knew simply to accept her friend's judgement and follow orders. Therefore, when Shizuru suggested stepping into aforementioned pickle, Chie didn't hesitate. She knew it would be the best course of action.
"Ah, but father would laugh!" Chie mused aloud.
"Ara, on what Chie?" a voice called out from behind.
Chie turned and smiled at the newcomer.
"On your impeccable timing my Lady, among other matters," she trailed off looking at the entire retinue following Shizuru curiously.
Usually when Shizuru Fujino travelled to the barracks to supervise her soldiers she travelled on one of her courser, with her naginata or sword as accompaniment. In preparation for migration, she had booked an inn room near the centre of her camp where all her daily wear and armour was kept, so all she was required to take forth was her weapon. She had told Chie she wanted to keep her absence and the relocation as low-key as possible. Therefore, it was with great difficulty that Chie held back a gape, a grin, a jibe and lastly a provocative question. Is that fur?
Chie felt her eyebrows shoot up perceptibly and quickly tried to cover it up with a casual glance to the right. When she returned to the carmine eyes, now level with her own, she found them glittering with amusement and a slight hint of mischief. Shizuru was daring her to ask.
"Oh...damn it all! You know what I want to ask so tell me already!" said Chie looking positively perplexed.
Soft giggles issued from her Lady and she motioned to Chie to trot alongside her.
"These are merely things I came across in the market while I was travelling here and felt I could use in the Inn. It will be a while and I felt daring enough to ensure my comfort. It was a mere whim of mine. "
If it had been any other noble, Chie would have believed this explanation and been satisfied. However, it was not just any noble. The General had been known to spend her nights initiating her soldiers in discipline. Chie recalled the skirmishes with the Schwartz in Aswad when the Duchess had spent days in armour during the hot weather. Shizuru was lying. Chie knew that much. There was something in the ruby-eyed beauty's voice, which told Chie the real reason would be something Shizuru wouldn't share.
Oh well, that's that...atleast it's clear I have this to thank for my not being late.
Chie huffed and flashed her charming smile.
"Whatever suits you, my Lady. However, speaking of things, I do count a member absent. Where is that mysterious trainer? Ever since you told me, I've been dying to set eyes on him. In addition, or to put it candidly, I wouldn't be too far off if I said I would love to test out his skills."
Fujino Shizuru smiled once more and Chie noticed this smile was quite an up curve. She had noticed this habit of her General. It usually meant something genuinely amused her. One of her rare, true smiles was being displayed and Chie mentally catalogued it. It meant something was definitely up.
Now I'm really intrigued by you trainer-san.
"Ara, Ara. Patience is paltry in peasants, not knights Chie. You will find out soon enough."
They had reached the gates and the Lady Fujino let her cloak fall back completely, nodding at the guards. A couple approached her and bowed down.
"Good evening milady," the taller of the two said. "If, you will the insignia..."
Shizuru smiled and revealed her ring, the distinct snake coiling around the ruby.
The guard bowed once more. "Pardon me for the enquiry. It is protocol General."
"Ara, no umbrage taken Dyne-san. It means the city is in safe hands."
Chie could see Shizuru's mask back in place and it reminded her of the future events.
That's right. We have to do this one more time...and then things will be better.
She nodded at the guards as well as she passed through the city gate and glanced at the russet haired beauty in front of her. Shizuru looked majestic in her lavender armour and gleaming naginata. At such times, Chie understood just why the people trusted in the General. Her aura was elegant, mysterious, and sometimes chilling. You couldn't escape it. There was power in her movements, bridled, reigned and harnessed power; a power capable of devastating opponents and delivering imperceptible strikes.
Sometimes Chie wondered if the naginata had chosen its owner and called forth Shizuru in the Fujino line. The woman in her thoughts looked at her at that moment and enquired, "Have you picked the soldiers for the mission Chie?"
"Yes my Lady, five should be enough I believe?"
Shizuru smiled at her. "Yes, you surmised correctly. And how is Aoi doing?"
"She is doing much better thanks to you, Shizuru," Chie laughed. "You should have seen her face when I told her about your fight! I haven't seen that expression in her since I told her I love her. Even then I wonder if it was as good!"
Shizuru's smile widened and she suddenly egged her courser. "Race you to the barracks Chie!"
Chie laughed at the chestnut tresses flowing in the wind and their owner's mercurial tendency. Shizuru could really be a kid sometimes.
That's why we gel so well.
She smirked and patted her horse's back lightly. It got the hint and chased down the path in pursuit of the black beast, with its master grasping the reins and bending for speed; the dust again eroded and disturbed from its rest.
A few moments later, Chie pulled at the reins and slowed her horse down to a trot as she reached Shizuru. The chestnut haired fighter was smiling victoriously and looking straight ahead.
"What was the last count Chie?" she asked.
"Two hundred and thirty eight," Chie groaned.
"Ara, it would be two hundred and thirty nine now."
Chie sighed heavily. "Yes, yes my Lady. You continue that winning streak. But someday..."
"Ah, I wait for that day", Shizuru retorted with a wink.
Chie chuckled despite herself. "Here we are, at the brink of a war, surrounded by danger, intrigue and rebellion and embarking on an almost suicidal mission...and you still find time to rub my lame record in."
"Oh you are a poet Chie-kun! I never knew. Ara, I wonder what other talents you hold up your sleeve."
Chie smirked, reverting to her rakish self. "But I fear I can only show them to my Aoi now my Lady."
Shizuru's soft tones lit the night air as she laughed lightly.
"Such a shame really. It would be amusing to see your capacities," she mused, a glint in her eyes betraying mirth.
Chie acted like a ruffled bird, raising her chest up. "You wound my pride, Shizuru! I shall have you know-" Before she could complete her claim to glory, however, the older of the two cut in mischievously.
"Whatever it is Chie, I'm sure Aoi would love to know as well," she said with a lilt at the end.
Chie knew when she was cornered. "Umm...ahem...oh, we have reached the barracks." She slowed down her horse, choosing to enter behind Shizuru. The soldiers greeted the General and, those who could take their eyes off the ruby-eyed woman, greeted Chie as well.
It was beginning to grow dark and it took them another hour before they reached the centre, where the General and she stayed. They had left their horses a long while back, opting to take foot and interact with the soldiers and inspect the conditions in the barracks. A man greeted them at the door and nodded at Shizuru.
"General," he greeted. "I have the Inn set up and arranged for you, according to the instructions you sent before. The materials you ordered have reached us."
Shizuru acknowledged this with a smile and nod.
"The forge has been cleared and set up to the best of my knowledge. And tomorrow I shall look to you for the address and inspection of the new recruits." Another nod.
"Also..."
At this point, he struggled for words, as if admitting some great shame. It was obvious to Chie he had been working up to this moment. Nevertheless, he couldn't seem to get it out.
"What is it Sanada-san?" Chie heard Shizuru say strongly.
That should do it. He'll open up now, finally.
"Waiting for you inside..." he said slowly, and at his words Shizuru's eyes seemed to shine.
Is it just my imagination?
He coughed and then swallowed, as if swallowing his pride.
"Waiting for you inside is a girl, and she says she is your new blacksmith." He looked to her like a vulnerable sheep looking for salvage.
Shizuru smiled and casually remarked, "Ah, is that so? Well, thank you Sanada-san. I shall take no more of your time tonight."
He bowed sharply, once again, and looking relieved went back towards his quarters.
"I don't get it. What was that all about?" Chie finally spoke up after he left.
Her General just smiled and continued walking towards the waiting area.
"The blacksmith and trainer are one Chie. I suspect the child wanted a grand entry and just snuck into the barracks without notice." She started giggling behind a hand, and Chie stood bewildered. Something had just registered.
"A girl! Why didn't you tell me? You were having a nice laugh at me weren't you? And here I was thinking it was some ninja from the Black Valley."
Chie shook her head in disbelief while Shizuru just giggled more. "It was amusing, but I assure you, she is not a man."
The way Shizuru said that made Chie wonder.
There it is again,that expression. I guess I shall have to see this trainer and find out.
They turned at the end of the corridor, finally entering the waiting area, and there stood a cobalt haired beauty in armour bearing Fujino insignia.
You have got to be kidding me!
"Natsuki!"
Three pairs of eyes widened at that. Two filled with recognition and one extremely puzzled.
The puzzled one being blood red.
OMAKE 1:
Natsuki: "Mmm…which teas do you like best Shizuru?"
Shizuru: *makes thinking pose and hums* "Hmm. Well, if it had to be one, it'd be Green Tea of course!"
Natsuki: "And why is that?"
Shizuru: "Well, because it's light to drink; has an even tone, and is delicious even without sugar and milk. Somewhat like my Natsuki," she said winking at her lover.
Natsuki: "…Baka!"
Shizuru: "Plus It's a delight to see the green stuff going into your belly~", she added with a childish smile.
Natsuki: *silent for a moment as if sniffing out the whiff of tease in the statement* "…You know, I'm not sure how many people would be sold on the description 'it's a delight to see the green stuff going into your belly'"
Shizuru: *with a dark grin* "Oh, you wouldn't believe how many hands I had to knock off before getting my cup of tea." she said blowing the bluenette a kiss.
Natsuki: O.O "hmm?"
Shizuru: *starts humming and begins to walk away with an air of innocence in place*
-After 10 minutes-
Natsuki: "Shizuru!"
Reviews are much appreciated and thank you for reading! Enjoy the rest of your day~
