Disclaimer: I do not own the names or characters of Mai Hime/Otome, nor a lot of the concepts presented within this story.

Rules and Guidelines Note: WARNING! This is for Mature Audiences only as it will contain adult situations that may not be appropriate for minors. This does not apply to every chapter, but as it applies to the story as a whole it will be noted.

Without further a do...I present to you...the next chapter...


Shizuru looked at the individuals. Fifteen altogether were present for her meeting of the new sires, sixteen if you counted the one who was currently fighting for a chance at life back at her mansion.

Clearing her throat she decided to start the meeting, "I am pleased that all of you were able to attend this meeting. By now you will have known that I am the Countess Viola and I govern this realm." Shizuru paused to make sure she had everyone's attention before adding, "We will start off first by getting acquainted with one another. I would appreciate it if you could introduce yourself and the noble house you were sired into. We will begin with the higher, middle, then lowest class of nobility. After introductions we will discuss what is expected from each and everyone of you, regardless of whether you wish to remain under my charge or return to your masters."

And so it began as a female individual stood up, "My name is Nao and I hail from the house of Zhang." Everyone else followed suit, taking the time to introduce themselves and the noble house they came from.

After introductions, Shizuru allowed the new sires to chat amongst themselves as this was probably the first time they had all met one another. Being that some lived outside Shizuru's domain and had traveled from far away.

Dismissing herself from the group Shizuru went to confide with Chie and Midori stating, "It would seem as though the nobles have all decided to sire an offspring. I do wonder if there is something brewing within the midst of the shadow that I am currently unaware of?"

Midori shrugged replying, "They all range in age of when they were sired. Nao Zhang was sired a few years after you'd gone into slumber therefore making her the oldest out of the new sires. Rad Hallard was recently sired last month," looking at Chie she asked, "Makes me wonder what your old man is up too?"

Tipping her head slightly at an angle as though in thought, Chie answered, "Probably didn't want to feel left out."

Shizuru exhaled a breath of concern while she glassed at the new sires, "This is the only time that I have awakened to find out that all the noble houses had sired a progeny."

Midori casually stated, "Does that make you feel left out Shizuru. You do know that you are the only who has not sired."

Settling upon the decision she had made along time ago Shizuru said, "I am well aware of that and I do not intend to sire, I will not pass on my bloodline, it dies with me. Sadly though it would appear that Yamada had sire Natsuki, meaning I am no longer the last of my bloodline."

Noticing the solemn mood Shizuru was in, Chie reassured her, "Look on the bright side, I don't think Natsuki will be siring any new off springs as well. So you two will most likely be the last to carry your bloodline."

Curious by the remark Shizuru inquired, "Why does Chie say that about Natsuki?"

Chie smiled, "Different, yet similar in certain aspects. Just like you she detests her own birthright. You two have so much more in common then you may realize and would be a force to be reckoned with if you two could get along."

Shizuru shocked by the statement questioned in confusion, "Why would you presume that is the case when I have only met her but briefly."

Seeing a dispute break out amongst the new sires. Chie had left to handle it, leaving Midori to answer in her stead, "She hates you to the core of her very being. You do know she hunted vampires for a living before she was finally turned, don't you. She was known as the infamous vampire huntress Kruger. Merciless and without remorse for the vampires she'd slain."

The more information she acquired about Natsuki the more intrigued she became yet still uncertain about Natsuki's intentions. However, there was a sadness that crept in to her mind by that remark before she replied, "I was not aware of that, no."

Feeling it was best to let the matter go at the moment, Midori said, "Well that is a story for another time. It seems your new sires are getting restless so you should tend to them for the rest of the day. Natsuki can wait, it's not like she's going any where anytime soon anyways."

xxxx

A day had passed since her meeting with the new sires. Shizuru had spent the day with Midori trying to comprehend the tracking project and had stayed behind after Midori had left for the night, in an attempt to understand it further. Tired and exhausted she didn't realize how late into the evening it had become, as she made her way towards the elevator. She sensed movement from behind her and did not turn around, but rather stated tiredly, "Come out from the shadows or you will have a wrath unforeseen in ages descend down upon you."

The vampire stepped out from the shadows, quickly to apologize, "I did not mean any ill will Countess. I was simply retiring to my room and did not wish to be caught by the guards. They are rather strict on protocols in general and stricter still when it comes to new sires."

Shizuru studied the fledgling marveling her taste in clothing as she glided effortlessly towards the unaware vampire, startling her out of her stupor when she questioned, "And where is it that you were returning from Miya Marguerite?"

Miya gasped at the proximity of Shizuru and slightly cowered in terror stuttering, "Please Countess I do not want to start any trouble with you or my master."

Placing her hand upon Miya's shoulder, Shizuru tried her best to assure the youngling that no harm would come to her, "Worry not Miya, what happens between us, stays between us unless one of us speaks of it."

She watched while Miya turned her head away as though ashamed by her action softly replying, "I had ventured into the mortal realm and lost track of time."

Unaware to Miya she had been enchanted by Shizuru the moment her eyes met Shizuru, and now it was only a matter of time before Shizuru learned of how she was sired. Cupping Miya's cheek Shizuru turned the girl back to face her while she licked her lower lip replying, "You have done no wrong by visiting the mortal realm. Allow me to assist you to your quarters so that the guards will not bother you."

Miya nodded allowing Shizuru to guide them to her quarters. Upon reaching Miya's quarters she opened the door only to pause, turning around to ask, "Countess of this domain will I ever be free of my master's bond."

Shizuru slowly shook her head answering, "You are bound to your master until your master is no more or you are no more. That is the only way to escape this life of servitude," and saw Miya's whole demeanor change into one of defeat.

The reality of her situation had finally sunk in as sadness etched itself on Miya's face causing her to softly utter, "I see. Then I bid you a goodnight Countess." When she turned to enter her room she was grasped into Shizuru's embrace, one hand trailing up her stomach underneath her shirt while the other held her body pressed securely against the Countess. Miya gasped, "Countess we cannot…my master will be furious."

Shizuru leaned her head down on to Miya's shoulder assuredly whispering, "Worry not Miya, tonight will be but like a fading dream when the morrow comes. Your master will not know of what has occur. But I will know of how you have been sired and why you hold such sadness in your eyes, as well as give you a night of pleasure worth the entire lifetime of you immortal being."

Shizuru still having Miya in her grasp glided the two of them ever so gently into the room before closing the door behind them. Miya panted when she felt Shizuru's right hand trail across her left breast, while her left hand roamed along Miya's left side as she heard Shizuru insinuate "Rest assured I will not harm you. I only seek to give you pleasure while you allow yourself this one night to feel some means of enjoyment in the life that you have found yourself in."

Before allowing Miya to answer, Shizuru turned Miya around capturing her lips with a kiss so deep anyone could drown into it and never return. Miya moaned causing Shizuru to smile into the kiss. The two became intermingled when Shizuru's hands caressed every curve and inch of Miya's body that they could reach, with a gasp and a moan heard ever so often from the exploration. This was nothing new to Shizuru. While their bodies floated in love-making their clothes parting effortlessly. Shizuru continued her exploration licking and kissing here and there, but she stopped upon reaching Miya's neck.

Tilting Miya's head so that the two of them were looking into each other's eyes, Shizuru stated, "Do you wish to continue this little escapade of ours Miya. I will not force you into something you do not wish to do." Then added with seriousness in warning, "I must warn you not to bite me though. If you do I will end your very existence were you stand. "

Miya heavily breathed intoxicated by the current predicament, her eyes glazed over with arousal. When Shizuru parted Miya's legs with one of her own, Miya gasped answering between breaths with lust, "Please Countess... I wish for you to... continue…and I swear I will not bite."

Smirking and satisfied by the response, Shizuru tilted her head back revealing her vampire fangs as her left hand tilted Miya's head exposing her neck. While Shizuru's other hand expertly fondled Miya's pearl of nerves, ever so often dipping her fingers in between her folds in search of Miya's entrance. With precision and quickness Shizuru pierced Miya's neck sucking her blood, while two fingers dipped inside Miya. Shizuru held her securely when Miya cried out, withering within Shizuru's grasp as images floated into Shizuru's consciousness.

Shizuru wasn't surprised when she saw an image of Miya lying helplessly in the nude in front of none other than Tomoe Marguerite. The visions continued to flow into Shizuru's consciousness. Miya had been on an outing with her boyfriend, and the two had decided to trespass into a nearby forest so that they could explore one another more in-depth, without the restriction of clothing. Little did they know that they were not alone, and before either could get far Miya was ripped from her lover's embrace. Pinned down by a force she couldn't see as she witnessed before her very eyes the death of her lover. Crying out in anger, terror and frustration she had been knocked unconscious, and when she awoke she was tied to a bed post naked as the day she was born. Shivering slightly Miya watched deep within the recess of her mind, her body's violation by Tomoe again and again before being sired.

Recalling the time she had laid with Tomoe, Shizuru knew Tomoe was not a gentle love maker. She slightly felt sorry for Miya having to succumb to such defilement and could not take the onslaught of images from how Miya was sired removed her fangs from Miya's neck. She licked the puncture marks ever so softly until it healed completely to the point that there was no sign of her ever being bitten by Shizuru.

Suddenly noticing the tears from Miya, Shizuru caressed the girl in comfort whispering, "Your first time was brutal and has left you traumatized for eternity until your demise when ever that may be. At least allow me this night to show you and perhaps lessen the sadness within your being."

Miya wrapped her arms tightly around Shizuru and cried out in anguish, not really realizing that she was, cause in truth she would only recall bits and pieces when morning came. Shizuru with ever gentleness continued making love to Miya until the girl had reached her peak many a times and had fallen asleep in Shizuru's arms.

Placing a soft kiss upon Miya's forehead, Shizuru lowered the young girl on to her bed, before covering her up with the blanket. Quickly going about her work, she wiped clean the girl's memory of this night and her very essences, leaving but faint traces of pleasure, so that the girl could recall upon if she chose too. Yet she would never know who it was that made such gentle love to her, nor anyone else who sought to stir up trouble. No Shizuru was very thorough with everything that she did. The times had taught her to be as such. Exhausted she whisked herself in mist form parting from the HIME building without anyone noticing that she had stayed longer than usual.

xxxx

Natsuki was running from what she did not know, all she knew was that she was endangered and she had to run. Closing her eyes she ran as fast as her feet could take her, until she tripped causing her to open her eyes. While she fell upon whatever surface it was that laid beneath her, the images she sought to forget flooded her mind.

Mai was lying on the ground her hand pressed tightly against her neck while her blood pooled around her body. Mai begged for Natsuki to end her life, but Natsuki could not as she scooted away simply stating, "I can't Mai."

Mai in her persistence pleaded, "Please Natsuki, I do not want to live my life that way. Kill me before he changes me, completely. This is the only way to save me, now."

Wrapping her arms around herself, Natsuki was uncertain and afraid, cried out, "No, I can't,... I can't take your life. You and Takumi are the only family I have left. There has to be another way Mai."

A man's voice filled with laughter stated in amusement, "Ah, family. Such a wondrous thing is it not. But from the smell of your blood, you are not kin to this lovely lady."

Natsuki yelled at the top of her lungs in anger, "She is like my sister, and I will not take her life. I will not." Crawling towards Mai's body in desperation, "I can still find a way to save her."

A figure appeared before Natsuki, causing her to pause. Fear having frozen her on the spot, the only thing Natsuki could do was watch when he slit his wrist, pressing it to Mai's lips. Mai's body having become motionless, started to convulse. He stared right into Natsuki's emerald orbs proclaiming into her mind, "I will take her life, and make her into something she detest and you will know the error of your ways, mortal. You will live the rest of your days knowing and regretting the decision you made this night."

Natsuki witnessed to her horror as Mai's lifeless body stood up, her eyes void of emotion when she looked at Natsuki stating with disgust, "You are no longer my family, Natsuki. One day I will come for you to end your miserable life. In your selfishness you have condemned me, when I but asked for one thing, salvation."

Crying out Mai's name in anguish, Natsuki could only watch when Mai vanished with the man who had taken her life.

More visualizations flashed before Natsuki's eyes and she found herself staring at her hands which were covered in blood. It had been five years since Mai was turned into a vampire causing Natsuki to go on a killing rampage fueled by vengeance, slaughtering any vampire that stood in her way. With little remorse for vampires, she but sought out the one who sired Mai and Mai herself. Here she was now standing over her latest kill. Yet tears were flowing down her face when she realized who it was that she had slain in her fit of rage. She knelt down cradling his body crying out, "Why Takumi? When and how did this happen?" Knowing the answers to her questions would never be given.

Feeling a murderous intent emanating from the right side of her body, Natsuki pulled out her sword from Takumi's heart. As his body turned into ashes, she pointed the tip of the sword at the intruder. Without looking and void of emotion she stated, "Did you come here to die this night too, vampire?"

The intruder exhaled a breath of sadness, "I had wished to die on a night so long ago, but you had deprived me of such a thing…," then with venomous hatred she yelled, "yet you slay my brother without a second thought. How dare you take my brother's life and his presence away from me, Natsuki?"

Natsuki stood up rotating ninety degrees to face Mai, unable to say a word, for she did not expect the intruder to have been Mai. The two stood gazing at one another, neither reluctant to move from their spot. Natsuki attempted an explanation, yet could only stutter in her response, "His life...was gone...when he died...Mai…what…happened...that…forgive me..."

A figure emerged beside Mai and Natsuki was suddenly filled with rage upon seeing who it was. When he whispered something into Mai's ear, causing Mai's obedience in response, "Yes Reito, my master."

Before Natsuki could process anything further Mai attacked stating clearly, "Tonight Natsuki you die by my hands, the very hands you should've killed."

The clash was enveloped with a presence of raw anger and hatred that overshadowed the sorrow of the situation, as blood was spilled from both sides. Yet in the end Natsuki was still only human, even though she had spent nearly five years in training as a huntress, there was only so much her human body could endure. Lying against the side of a building she looked up at Mai when the rain started to pour. Coughing up blood Natsuki cried out, "It was my mistake to have allowed this to occur that night Mai. I will not die this night, I swear it. I will not perish from this existence until you and that monster Reito is dead."

Mai stared up at the sky laughing, but if you looked closely enough, it was as though she was crying hysterically as she replied, "No, Natsuki you will die this night. While your blood seeps into the ground beneath you, and your life slowly reaches its end you will wallow in regret. Knowing you should have taken my life that day. And when your life has finally seized its futile struggle there will be nothing you can do about it and I will finally allow this hatred for you to ebb away."

Even on the verge of death Natsuki was defiant, gurgling in anger, "Reito Kanzaki…I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth, and I will take your life and end Mai's life. No matter what it takes, no matter what I have to do or whatever realm you reside in and I will destroy you."

Natsuki watched the figures of Mai and Reito fade before her eyes, as she was unable to do anything or stop them yet again. Coughing up blood she wailed in agony the one name that started this series of event, "Reito Kanzaki."

Lying there feeling the warmth of her body slowly fade away, she heard a voice deep within her mind asking, "Do you wish to become the thing you have condemned to avenge your family?"

Her breathing becoming shallower and shallower, she answered, "Yes, but…you will…not…have…my blood, or…I swear…I will…destroy you...when…I…have…changed."

The voice with amusement relayed within the recess of her mind, "Rest assured I no longer require such sustenance. However you should know that from the moment you take my blood you belong to me until my untimely demise and then you can do whatever you so please. As long as you fulfill a request of mine until you are no more."

Natsuki no longer feeling her legs chuckled, blood spilling down her mouth while in her mind she laughed, "The irony of life lies right here, right now as I become what it is I detest the most," before answering, " Fair enough, I Natsuki Kruger pledge my dying mortal life and place it in your hands. I am bound to you for all eternity until your demise, and even then I will carry on whatever task it is that you wish of me. As long as I have my vengeance as the one thing in which I loathe."

"Well then let's get started, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Natsuki, my name is Yamada," and that was the last name Natsuki heard as her mortal life ended.

Haruka had come barging into one of Shizuru's guest room where Natsuki was residing in when she heard Natsuki scream. And for the better half of the last three hours, she had tried to keep Natsuki down, so that she wouldn't cause any more unnecessary damage to herself.

Haruka was having a hard time as she cursed, "Damn delinquent, how you can be so strong when you are out cold and severely wounded?"

Subconsciously Natsuki yelled out in anger, "Kill" and "die."

Yukino and Yohko were in a study room nearby and had come to assist when Haruka had called out to Yukino. Unsure of what to do, Yukino stood out of the way pondering if she could help. When Yohko furiously tried to sedate Natsuki while failing in the attempt, also cursed, "For bloody crying out loud Kruger you've got to stop struggling or you'll reopen your wounds. Damn sedatives aren't strong enough. They usually work."

"Can I just throttle her into submission." Haruka suggested on the verge of giving in to her temptation.

"No!" Yohko exclaimed, shaking her head in dismay, "She is already wounded enough as she is. We do not need to add anymore injuries to her already fragile state."

Haruka couldn't help but laugh at the remark, "Fragile? She is far from fragile right now. Whatever it is that she is dreaming about, well I hate to be the bearer of bad news. She's unleashing her vampire strength in her subconscious state and with her bloodline being that of Dracula. We all know that the only one who is strong enough to subdue her is Shizuru."

Upon hearing Haruka's remarks, Yukino nodded in understanding, when she heard Natsuki cry out a name in pure hatred. Brushing the name aside, due to the urgency of the situation she reached out to Shizuru's mind hoping that Shizuru was within a ten mile radius. The max distance in which they could commune telepathically among each other, without utilizing their vampire capabilities, hence the distance between the mansion and HIME building.

Recently having returned from visiting the mortal realm Shizuru was pondering the events of the previous night with Miya when she heard Yukino call out to her, "Shizuru are you nearby?"

Shizuru was about to tease Yukino for calling her at this time of night. But halted when she sensed the tone of urgency in Yukino's voice causing her to calmly reply, "I am in the gardens behind the mansion, what seems to be ailing you?"

Yukino exhaled a breath of relief, "It is not I, but we need your assistance. Natsuki is lashing out in her unconscious state and we cannot seem to subdue her. Yohko's drugs does not seem to be having any effect on her system. Haruka is holding her down but she is unsure if her strength will be enough, if Natsuki subconsciously unleashes…" Yukino was too lost in relaying the message that she did not sense Shizuru, for Shizuru had already heard enough to know what the situation was. And before Yukino could complete her sentence Shizuru had appeared inside the guest room, startling her.

Sensing Shizuru's presence the moment her form solidified from mist, Haruka turned her head towards Shizuru stating, "Are you just going to stand there or help us."

Yohko pivoted around exhaustion and frustration showing clearly upon her facial features, "Nice of you to join us."

Calmly, Shizuru strode towards the bed noticing Natsuki continuously thrashing about as she cried out random phrases in emotional distraught. Gliding on to the bed, so that she was straddling Natsuki's thighs directly below the hips she asked, "Is this the first time such an incident has occurred?"

Haruka and Yohko stated in unison, "Yes!"

Their timely answer caused Shizuru to chuckle, "Well then, we should be grateful that I am not slumbering right now."

Haruka exhaled a breath of exasperation, "Now is not the time for amusement woman, you have to do something."

Momentarily after that comment, Haruka having released her hold upon Natsuki's upper body, left the rest up to Shizuru. Natsuki abruptly sat up, her breathing raspy, her facial expression etched in anguish. Shizuru immediately placed her hands securely on either side of Natsuki's head before calmly stating, "Blood of my blood you must calm down or you will injure yourself more."

Natsuki's eyes snapped open and everyone paused as emerald orbs stared directly into crimson orbs and vice versa. Natsuki blinked a couple of times before she cried out, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes flowing freely, "I cannot…I have to…it is my fault…we are damned."

Shizuru removing her hands from Natsuki's head spoke, her voice laced with gentleness, "Shh…it's okay, you are safe now. Relax, Natsuki."

Natsuki slumped into Shizuru's hold uttering one last phrase, "forgive me," before succumbing to a deep slumber one void of nightmares and dream alike.

Shizuru carefully laid Natsuki's head upon the pillow before getting off the bed. Turning around she addressed the three in the room, "Why is it that this time majority of the new sires seem to be in turmoil or were turned against their wishes?"

Haruka blurted out, "What's the matter with you Shizuru, it's only been a couple of days and you've already bitten all of them."

Shizuru sighed turning towards Haruka, "On the contrary Haruka, their mere presence oozes of anger and discontentment at what they have become. Some like Natsuki have vengeance seething from them so strongly that I can sense it a mile away. I have only bitten Miya Marguerite, and the images of her siring leaves me slightly flustered and appalled by some of the nobles. It makes me question whether or not I should just put these new sires out of their misery, so that they would not have to suffer an eternity in anguish."

Exhaling a breath of reluctance, Yohko spoke up, "You have to lead by example and hope that these new sires will be able to change as time progresses."

Shizuru shook her head replying pessimistically, "Either that or see them turn into monsters worst than those who sired them."

Yohko walked over and grabbed Shizuru by the shoulder, "You cannot lose hope, not now or what was the purpose of you having fought so hard for, Shizuru."

Placing her hand on top of Yohko's before removing it Shizuru solemnly stated, "It has been so long I do not know what it is I am trying to achieve anymore. Is there such a thing as hope or salvation for those of us who are damned for eternity, Yohko?"

No one spoke or said a word, unsure of how to respond when a voice so soft it was almost like a whisper, came forth from the mouth of the unconscious individual in bed, "Only those who have no hope or means of salvation are truly damned. We cannot be damned if we continue to seek retribution for what it is we have become. You cannot lose hope Countess Viola, or we all will truly be damned."

The three of them waited patiently unsure if Natsuki was awake or not and when nothing more was uttered Yohko questioningly called out, "Natsuki?"

Yukino fully aware of what just occurred, explained, "Her highly sensitive intuition as a vampire probably caused her subconscious thoughts to surface when she heard us talking."

Yohko looked at Yukino surprised to learn something new, "Really, I wasn't aware of that."

Slightly amused by Yohko's response Yukino added, "Happens all the time. Shizuru does that ever so often in her slumber. Because her body is in a state of rest, the only way of articulating herself is through verbal communications. However, I think it might just be their bloodline for I haven't heard of other vampires doing such things. They're probably more attuned to their surroundings then we are and can act accordingly or in Natsuki's case as we just witnessed, respond. Yet at the same time I don't think they are aware of it, if they are unconscious."

Yohko clearly fascinated by the news wanted to try something when Shizuru cleared her throat, "As much as I would love to watch Yohko treat Natsuki as a guinea pig, her response has lifted my mood and as gratitude I cannot allow you to treat her as such. Therefore we will leave Natsuki to rest while the three of us continue our conversation elsewhere."

What awaits can only be found in the next installment...


I hope you as the readers where able to figure out that the italicized part of the story was Natsuki's dream. If not then, now you know. :) As I stated in my first chapter, this is Shizuru and Natsuki based, so other characters will not have much screen time, some more than others, but only enough to further the story along. For those of you who have continued reading this story I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Until my next update, have a pleasant weekend.