I heard the celestial clock in the director's library signaling the end was near. The whole situation was awful. Orphans were no long attacking us HIMEs but instead we were turning on each other. The clock dong after each HIME was defeated.

I'm not aware how many were left but I know I wouldn't be the last one standing. To be honest I was perfectly fine with that, I didn't want to deal with the Obsidian Lord, I had my own problems. Namely Shizuru, I heard from a defeated Yukino that my precious person was defeating the others in the name of love.

I wasn't sure how to react at first. But soon anger took over as I looked at Yukino. As it turns out even though Shizuru killed her child she herself had no ill will towards her. Of course the sadness of losing the loud mouth blonde filled her small body with anguish Yukino still didn't wish this back on her.

That was it. I have to find her and put an end to this. And the only way to do that is to kill Kiyohime; taking me and Duran in the process. The thought of destroying my sweet Duran with my bear hands was more unsettling. There was only one place in Fuuka that I know for a fact Shizuru would be, the student council room. I paused momentarily taking a deep breath, sorting out my thoughts and strengthen my resolve. If Duran could shoot himself I wouldn't have to face her and her frightening face. I shook my head. No I can't take the cowards way out I need to face her.

I bitterly mumbled to myself, I blame myself for not foreseeing any of this. This is what First District wanted and they managed to succeed thanks to my failure. None of it matter anymore. We are trapped in fate, forced to fight and kill another's loved one. Even if by some chance she didn't kill the others someone else would have.

That was enough moping. I mounting my bike and drove at top speed to Fuuka Academy. I didn't bother parking as I busted though the front doors on my motorcycle driving through the halls. I hit the brakes before hitting the door to the council room that way I could come to a complete stop inside. I saw smoke from my tires leave marks in the tiled floor. "Shizuru!"

The president was calmly sipping her tea not at all shocked that I literally drove all the way here. My helmet hid my smile I gaze intently at her and she looked normal. Her lovely scarlet eyes were back to normal shining brightly; tea really must be a miraculous drink. I'll have to try it sometime. I quickly shook the thoughts out of me head I was here to permanently stop her after all.

"I can't let you continue this anymore! Defeating the other HIMEs..." I trailed off thinking of Yukino's dis-hearted face.

"I also destroyed First District Headquarters for you." She admitted without an ounce of shame.

What? How? How the hell did she find something I search for since my mother's death so easily! Wait, that wasn't the point! I scold to myself.

"You're not going to accept my feelings are you?" She stood from her desk and I straight away went on the defensive. "Kiyohime."

Her child's name rang in my ears as I floured it out of the class room. I haven't seen Kiyohime clearly before but I remember her child was huge. I didn't want to be crushed by the falling ceiling as the guardian materialized. I drove through the double glass doors and out into the courtyard.

The huge serpent rose from the school destroying part of the building. Shizuru stood on one of its head holding her element. "I still love you, Natsuki." I glared I was pretty sure this wasn't love. "So even if you hate me I'll make you mine." I swallowed hard it sounded like she was making a promise to me.

I calmly dismounted my Ducati and called for my partner. "Duran!" Just like always ice crystals appeared from the ground. This time they were larger than any time I called for him before. I stood on Duran's muzzle admiring his amazing size.

"The child, an abnormal one born from the affections of a loved one. The stronger the affection, the strong the child gets!"

"Do you hate me that much?" The head she was standing on moved forward. My mouth opened as she jumped on Duran's muzzle as well. We couldn't possible fight like this? Sure I could shoot but what is one of us fell off our own child? I really didn't want to think about that. Sensing my distress Duran leaned down allowing us to safely get to the ground to continue our fight.

I raised both guns at her and started to fire repeatedly. The tawny haired woman took off running. I followed closely behind. While we fought our childs fought. They weren't fighting seriously though. Duran didn't shoot anything and Kiyohime didn't spew acid out. They were simply trying to immobilize the other till we had a chance to talk.

The older woman ran into the church while one of Kiyohime's head chased after me Duran intercepted it by stepping on her neck. Another head grabbed Duran's cannon; he growled and tried to shake her off. As soon as I entered another head struck into the building. I gasped out as the large metal bell fell right on top of me trapping me inside.

It happened so quickly. I saw nothing but darkness but then I felt pain and tried to hide my discomfort. I was jerked and twirled and then ended up in Shizuru's strong embrace. I could hear her words in my head. 'I'll never let go, you are mine.'

I didn't struggle or pull away after all I did love to be in her arms. Both of our elements were currently lying on the ground. I pulled back enough just to look her in the eyes. Her scarlet eyes currently shining with many emotions: love, passion, fear, pain? Her cheeks were tinged with a flush and her slightly parted lips quivered waiting for me to say something hurtful to her.

I really wish I could have more time with Shizuru, to figure out her love. To understand her better, to accept all of her and to even try to return those feelings.

"Shizuru, you were the first one to come to me when I was unable to believe in anyone. I can never hate you and I'm happy you love me." It was a warm sensation, I think. I felt happy that Shizuru went to such lengths for me. I chuckled to myself. There must be something wrong with me, I was feeling flattered she killed in my name?

I took a quick glimpse at out childs. Duran was tangled up in Kiyohime's heads he was unable to move. Both of them knew not to get serious in a fight. The snake knew not to let Duran hurt her either.

I may not love her to the same degree but I love her nevertheless. What the hell we're going to die anyway. Feeling bold I pressed my lips quickly to hers. Shizuru's cheeks lit up. It was a cute sight, no wonder she teases me daily. I also saw a small smile cross her lips. I think she finally realized Duran's size didn't come from hate.

I pulled the tea addict into my arms resting my chin on her head. I breathed deeply enjoying the smell her green tea shampoo. I ran my fingers through her silky strands of light brown hair.

"Duran, load silver cartridge. Fire!"

"I'm happy, Natsuki." I heard her whisper into my chest. I felt her hands grab into my shirt.

I am too, Shizuru. I'm happy because we are together right now. At least we won't be alone right?

I shivered and frowned realizing something about her hand. Shizuru was lightly groping one of my breasts! She must have realized this.

I looked at her peaceful face and sighed. That's why she was happy. Seriously, Shizuru? Oh well, just this once I'll let it slide.

Then we ceased to exist.

Here we are now. My whole life flashed before my eyes as I walked towards the light and came back to live. I'm not even sure how long we were dead but boy, did it suck. "I'm sorry!" Shizuru cried. I honestly can say that I have never have seen her in tears before. The crystalline tears the rolled down her cheeks. "Forgive me, Natsuki! I never meant to hurt anyone especially you!"

"Calm down Shizuru, it's alright."

"I was supposed to die. Why didn't I stay dead?"

"Shizuru…?" My face twisted into anger in a seconds notice. "What are you talking about? You're talking like you want to die!"

"I did the unforgivable."

"Even demons can be forgiven." I retorted not that I thought she was a demon.

"You will pull away from me."

No I wouldn't. Not mental and not physically.

"Would you do anything for me, Shizuru?"

"Without hesitation, haven't I proven that? I would hack any computer, kill anyone who disrespect you, I would give you myself for whatever pleasure you wish." I suddenly felt uncomfortable. She desired me in ways I have yet to comprehend. Did being around me cause so many problems?

"Would you forgive yourself for me then?"

Her ruby eyes widened. "What?" She bitterly smiled. "You're trying to save me? You're such a kind hearted girl. My love is inappropriate."

I growled why was she being so difficult? Doesn't she realize I love her? Hopefully this would wake her up. I slapped her; harder then I planned on. The sound echoed in the empty church. "If you really cared for me then you wouldn't be talking like this!" Shizuru looked shocked the same face she gave when I blow up Kiyohime

"Do you doubt my love…?"

"No. Urgh! Ok, what about me? You think I'm so good? I was so focus on my mission I ignored you till I realized you were a HIME. If I didn't learn about you I'd probably still be ignoring you. And I'd still be using you for my own selfish reasons!"

"Natsuki is just saying that. Besides I willingly helped." Beside from the groan I gave silence washed over us. Moment later she spoke up. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Did you kiss me only because you thought we were going to die? If you knew we were going to live would you have still done it?" I paused. I don't know but I couldn't very well tell her that could I? "It was a pity kiss, wasn't it?"

"Shizuru you know very well that I didn't know we were going to be brought back to life. I also can say it was an unplanned action that I didn't think much on." I saw her face drop and figured I better get to the point. "It was a nice kiss and I don't regret it." I finished quickly watching a light pink enter her cheeks. Her mood changed so quickly.

"I'm sorry to have lost my emotions like that." She averted her gaze acting all embarrassed.

"Don't apologize for being human." We fell into another silence. We watched each other intently until something brushed up against me. I jumped and looked behind me there was a normal sized Duran. He seemed calm and tranquil nudging my face with his muzzle.

Kiyohime acted the same way. She was wrapped around us with two heads on both sides of us. With a small smile the Kyoto woman rubbed her head while I nudged my cheek against Duran's head. Without the president's love Duran wouldn't have existed. My precious person.

It seemed like the tawny haired woman was trying to avoid my eyes. Then I remember we still have a small problem. She loved me and I still didn't really give her an answer. "Shizuru, teach me too love. Teach me your kind of love." The Kyoto woman looked shocked a happy shock. I wanted to see her smile. "It shouldn't be so hard for you since you taught me everything else."

"My cute Natsuki."

"Hey! Don't call me cute!"

"Alright my beloved."

"…"Another silence washed over us she knew I wasn't happy with that pet name thanks to the blush I wore.

"Are you my cute Natsuki yet?"

"Yes I am, Shizuru."

After another small moment of silence I stood. "Alright, let's go."

Shizuru understood exactly what I meant and frowned. "Do we really have too? I admit I rather not have to deal with this right now. Maybe Mai can beat Nagi and the Obsidian Lord so we don't have to do anything especially if it's dangerous." The older woman didn't feel like dying again.

"Don't be lazy we have to help." I said mounting Duran's back. My child leaped into the air his limbs retracting in like airplane landing gear. Jets started up allowing us to fly forward.

The brunette jumped up on her child's body. "Fine I'm coming."

A/N: Done it's been a long time since I had actually finished something! That's a real accomplishment. I almost deleted the last part. I wasn't sure if just letting them die would have been a good ending Review~!

When Natsuki and Shizuru first started to fight. How did Natsuki get her bike thirty feet into the air to call her large child? Her Ducati flies man! Though seriously. I was looking forward to see Kiyohime and Duran fighting together with everyone else but they didn't do shit to contribute to the final battle, beside crash into the star. I super mega attack from them would have been great