Allo peeps. I hope this was a timely update for everyone. I especially made this chapter longer in order to fit in the much anticipated shiznat reunion. I'm sorry to say, that I failed, lol. It was just too soon. Forgive meeeeh. I don't want to make any promises for the next chapter, but I believe the reunion will happen then.

Oh, Ascoeur brought up a good question--their ages.

Here are their present ages:

Shizuru--25

Natsuki--23

Nao--24

Nagi--65 (haha, i know.)

Akio--67

Reito--27


"Shizuru, aren't you tired? Come to bed."

Without looking up from her paper strewn desk, the weary Queen said mechanically, "Thank you, Reito, but I should finish this report first."

Reito stretched his leg out along the outrageously large bed and rested his head against the headboard. Sighing, he spoke in a tone that suggested a continuation of an old argument, "I wish you'd let me help you more. I can handle it, you know."

Crimson eyes glanced up teasingly. "You know I don't doubt your abilities in the least." Shizuru said before returning to her work.

Raising his arms to pillow his head, Reito did not need to ask why Shizuru insisted on handling most of the responsibilities herself. He knew why. He'd heard about the history of Shizuru and her faithful slave and how Shizuru 's cry over her death echoed throughout the kingdom. Who hadn't heard about the tragedy?

Instead he sympathetically asked, "You still think about her, Shizuru? It's been what…almost five years?"

The paper Shizuru was holding crinkled under her suddenly tensed hands before she forcefully dropped the sheet on her desk and looked up at her seemingly relax King. "I don't want to talk about her, Reito." the brunette said in an almost threatening tone.

Unperturbed, Reito gracefully stood up from the bed and strolled over to the glaring Shizuru. Stopping next to her, he tentatively placed a hand on her shoulder and a hand on the desk, kneeling so that they were eye-to-eye. "I'm your husband—"

"No. We are not in public." Shizuru countered quickly. Her hands clammy and heart pounded loudly. Reito had never broken their agreement, though Shizuru has been expecting him to since the beginning. There was nothing holding him back. He had the physique to pin her down, the support of the family, and the belief of the people. They were, after all, married.

Grey steely eyes caught the barely widening of crimson ones, the smallest change in breathing pattern, and the slight shift into a defensive posture. Understanding, Reito removed his hand and took a small step back. "But I'm your friend, Shizuru. When will you believe me?" The raven haired man asked.

The brunette stared at pleading and slightly hurt grey eyes. Realizing her slip and silently scolding herself for offending the man, Shizuru rose from her seat and held his arm in an apologetic gesture. "I'm sorry, Reito. I've been on edge lately."

Reito shook his head but clasped his hand over the one on his arm. "If by lately you mean for the past four and half years."

Shizuru gave a small defeated smile as Reito led her to the couch where the two of them sat down. Reaching for her hand, Reito continued, "I remember our deal, Shizuru." For her reassurance, the King recited the aspects of the agreement almost verbatim, "For the sake of preventing civil war we, heirs of the two ruling houses, must act united in public. For the sake of the country's future we must bear one child to continue our line. That we have done and Fuuka has lived in peace since."

Shizuru nodded and said, "Whatever else maybe said of father, he did have the future of Fuuka in his heart when he arranged for our marriage."

Smiling grimly, Reito also nodded in agreement. "A good king he may have been, but he was no doubt a harsh father too."

At that Shizuru looked away, shoulders slightly quivering.

Reito tactfully return to the previous subject concerning the agreement between them. "That was the public portion. Now in private we have both agree to be nothing more than friends. We share the same room, same bed only to assure the people and give our family one less reason to quarrel with each other over. Outside this room we are lovey-dovey, but inside…inside, Shizuru, we are just friends. Right?"

Shizuru looked into his eyes and wanted to desperately to believe him, but she just had to understand one thing. "Why?" A simple one word question that engulfed the entirety of her doubts. What did Reito get out of the deal? Wouldn't he be much more satisfied by solidifying the marriage inside and outside the bedroom? There was no reason for him to put up with the agreement and every reason not to. If his House found out that he tricked them into thinking they were actually in love, his family might disinherit him as the rightful successor to House Kanzaki. After all, if it weren't for their marriage, his House might have single handily usurped the throne from Shizuru by claiming she was a woman with no sons of her own. As it is now, Reito and Shizuru had to share their power equally along with the parliament, but the King rarely worked his power and often let Shizuru handle everything. By all rights, Reito should have laughed in Shizuru's face when she first proposed the agreement. There was nothing Shizuru had to offer him, but yet…he still readily agreed. Why?

"Because Shizuru…" Reito stared into crimson eyes, pleading for her to understand, "I…you shouldn't have had to go through what you went through, what you're going through. I'm only doing what I can which isn't much, I know. But…I'm your friend. That's all, Shizuru. Friends. And…and however ceremonial, we are family. We're both proud parents of Suuki. You and I, we share the same fate. Born into similar destinies, as is our daughter. For Suuki, for you, my dear friend, and for my own sanity I will do as I please when heritage, responsibilities, and duties are not breathing down my neck. And what I please is to have you as a friend so that we can share our troubles and worries without needing to hold anything back."

Hearing those words, Shizuru felt her stomach unclench bit by bit and her tense muscles relax in stages. For the first time in a long while, the brunette's heart fluttered with pleasure and she gripped Reito's hands in sincere gratification. Suddenly speechless, Shizuru could only thank him with her eyes and Reito smiled to show that he understood.

"Besides," he grinned even wider, "I quite enjoy all the free time a workaholic like you have allowed me."

An inkling of dread entered her system. Shizuru sat up straight and said in a tone that broke no argument,

"Reito, Suuki is the only daughter I will acknowledge. I will not allow any illegitimate child of yours to usurp her place in any way, shape, or form."

As the King of Fuuka, Reito has the right to adopt any child of his blood into the family. Shizuru can voice her objection, but in the end she is powerless to stop the process. It is common knowledge that the members of the Royal Family often engage in dalliances among the citizens of Fuuka because they not only have the money and the power to do so but more often than not they were forced into their current marriages. However this practice is only whispered about in secret and not openly acknowledged for the sake of appearances. Though the illegitimate children borne from the unholy practice may never reign the realm, they have similar status and power to any princes or princesses of the Blood.

Reito blinked. Then gaped. "Shizuru! I wouldn't even think it! I love Suuki too, you know."

After a moment of staring at the sincere Reito, Shizuru said ruefully, "Of course. I don't know what I was thinking… Then what do you do with all your free time, Reito?"

The King of Fuuka grinned mischievously. "Shizuru…do you know who's representing Fuuka in the tournament?"

Crimson eyes instantly widened in understanding.

Reito smirked and Shizuru slapped him playfully on the shoulder, "It's dangerous, Reito. And have you forgotten? Despite having little to nothing to do, you are the King of Fuuka."

The man laughed and countered, "There's no rule that says Kings can't participate! I'll be fine, Shizuru. Plus, it'd be fun! You can root for me on the sidelines!"

Chuckling herself, Shizuru teased, "I'll cheer for you, of course. But you better not embarrass Suuki and me because we'd never forgive you!"

Reito grinned broadly and thumped his chest, "I'll win the title this year. For you and for our daughter!"

After the two had a good laugh, they retired for the night on separate sides of the bed. Shizuru almost immediately fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Today was another long day for her and tomorrow, an even longer one. The talk with Reito had really soothed her nerves. He is indeed a good friend.

Cuddling the bluenette from behind, Shizuru joined her on the carpet in front of the low coffee table. Crossing her legs around the younger girl's waist and over her shorter legs and wrapping her arms around her shoulders, the princess breathed into the girl's ear. "Neh love, what are you doing?"

Natsuki hiccupped and raised a half emptied bottle of brandy over her shoulders. Shizuru raised her brows at the sight. Natsuki didn't drink…did she? Peering over the girl's shoulder, Shizuru took a firm hold of bluenette's chin before turning her brick red face toward her. Emerald eyes were half closed and unfocused and pink plush lips gave a lopsided smile. Natsuki hiccupped again. No, she didn't drink. Not usually. "ShizurUUUuuuu…"

"Yes, Natsuki?" the princess smiled before pecking her love on the mouth, taking a minute to savor the taste of brandy from them. She pulled the girl closer to her body and tucked her hands tightly around her.

"I want to ashk you somethiiing, Shiizzzz." Cloudy emerald orbs turned toward her. "You can't say nooo…"

Greatly amused, Shizuru rubbed her cheeks against Natsuki's warm ones. "When have I ever said no to you, sweetie?"

At that, Natsuki took a long minute to ponder, her cheek against Shizuru's. Unable to resist, Shizuru turned her head slightly to capture the girl's delicate lips, but the bluenette moved her head away and furrowed her brow in an attempt to look serious. Taking her cue, Shizuru also attempted to look serious, but Natsuki's extremely flush face was making the task difficult.

"I want…I want to talk to King Masao…about us."

What??

"No." Her answer was reflexive. She needed to protect Natsuki from her father. There was no way Shizuru would give him a chance to hurt her love. At least, not physically.

Natsuki puffed her cheeks at the quick answer. "But, Shizuruuu, I don't want you to marry some man. Maybe I can make him unde—"

"No, Natsuki." The curt reply hurt the bluenette and Shizuru saw that it did. Cupping the girl's heated cheeks, Shizuru leaned in and whispered against her lips, "Love, we'll run away together and never—"

"Nooo!" the bluenette demanded as she pulled back. "You, you spent your whole life training to be…to be a great, great queen. And…and your father loves you, Shizuruuuu! Let me tryyy…"

Shizuru just shook her head and said, "I don't care. I just want to be with you, love. Is that so wrong?"

"I love you too…but I love the WHOOOLE you, Shizuruuuuu. The Queen, the playmate, the heir, and, and YOU! I don wanna lose aaany part of you…" Natsuki wined as she snuggled her head against Shizuru's neck.

"Natsuki…"

Emeralds stared at crimson before Natsuki clumsily turned around and straddled the other girl. With her arms wrapped around Shizuru's neck, the bluenette leaned in toward her. Shizuru met her halfway and brought their lips together. She could taste the brandy on the other's tongue as Natsuki nudged opened her eager mouth. Trembling under the feel of her tongue, Shizuru moaned into the kiss. The bluenette's warmth caressed and stroked every part of her. Her tongue danced with Natsuki's until the girl lapped it into her mouth where she hungrily sucked on it. Shizuru whimpered at the feeling.

Natsuki firmly pushed Shizuru down onto her back and then fitted herself between the brunette's thighs. Grinding down, Natsuki could hear her lover grunt in pleasure and felt desperate hands slide up under her shirt.

"Shizuruuu…" Natsuki kissed a track from the brunette's mouth to her neck where she then began trailing her tongue and nibbling along the smooth skin.

"Yes…?" Shizuru panted as the bluenette's hand journeyed up to her breasts, massaging and rubbing.

"Princess…" Natsuki drove her pelvis against Shizuru's groin. Shizuru cry out, her back arching.

"Wha…what is it?"

With on last lingering kiss, the bluenette pulled back and stared at the heavily lidded crimson eyes. "Please? Let me try?"

Shizuru frowned and fought against the lust and desire clouding her head. But she failed. At the moment all she wanted was Natsuki. The brunette attempted to pull the girl back down, but Natsuki refused to budge. Whining, Shizuru sighed, "Fine, but I have to be there."

Emerald eyes danced in victory, before they were quickly dragged down to needy and putout crimson ones.

Shizuru woke up smiling, but as soon as she realized the reality of the dream her smile broke into a million little pieces and a single tear escaped her blurry eyes. She stiffly rose out of bed and went faithfully to her wine.

Had Shizuru known what would happen at the meeting, she would have never allowed Natsuki anywhere near her father. She would have never caved in no matter how the bluenette tried to seduce her. But because of her moment of weakness, her love had to suffer under the very hands that raised the brunette. How can life be so cruel?

"Nao…my head hurts." Natsuki held her head between her hands.

The redhead glanced up from her perch on the bed. "Weak-sauce, who woulda thought the great Natsuki the Blind can't drink worth shit."

The bluenette grunted from the inn room's only table. "Shhh…..don't be so loud. You're making it worse."

Nao rolled her eyes. "How on earth are you gonna travel like this, woman?"

The bluenette's arms caved in and she dropped her head on them. "Ooow…how long..how long till we're there?"

"Three days." Nao lied back down on her side with her arm raised at the elbow to hold her head as she watch Natsuki suffer from her hangover.

"I'll be fine….don't let me drink so much next time." The girl mumbled against her arms.

Lime green eyes narrowed. "What am I? Your mom?"

"Unggh…shhhhhhh…"

Face palming, Nao grumbled, "Nagi must've been on crack when he picked you."

After a moment of silence the bluenette whined uncharacteristically, "Nao, my heeeeeead..."

Nao continued to stare at the girl, secretly adoring the scene before her. Her heart fluttered when bluenette whimpered for her help. A light blush graced her cheeks which she didn't bother to hide with only a blind Natsuki in the room. Smiling, the redhead got up and sauntered over to the tin pail holding this morning's water. She grabbed a rag, soaked it, wringed it, and walk over to the downed girl.

"Lift your face, mutt." Nao whispered considerately near the girl's ear, enjoying the scent of her cobalt hair.

Natsuki grudgingly pushed her head up with her hands; her blindfold gone, eyes closed, and face contorted in a mix of pain and weariness.

Nao stood behind her and ordered, "Get your hands out of the way and lean back out me."

Slowly removing her hands and inclining against Nao's torso, Natsuki muttered, "Not so loud…please…"

Resisting the urge to touch the bluenette's flushed cheeks, Nao roughly cleaned the bluenette's face with the cold towel before resting it on the girl's forehead. "I didn't know I signed up for house sitting, mutt."

While Nao stood with her one hand holding the towel in place so that Natsuki could rest her head against her, the sun broke through the dark clouds, signaling the start of their travel again. "It's time. Come on, if you want to get there in three days we need to move our asses."

When the bluenette raised her head only to fall back against Nao, the redhead smirked and hooked the bluenette's arm around her shoulder, lifting her up.

"Ugh…I can walk…by myself, Nao." In spite of her words, Natsuki's head lolled on Nao's shoulders.

"I'm sure you can, partner." With that, the two departed the inn and joined the growing group of people by the inn's stables.

"Good day, champions of Artai." Nagi greeted them merrily.

"Your majesty." Nao bowed awkwardly with bluenette still slumped against her.

"So last night's fete didn't sit well for our Natsuki? Shame."

At the comment, the girl lifted her heavy head from Nao's shoulder. "For the last time…shut-"

The redhead eyes bulged as she immediately clasped her free hand over the Natsuki's mouth. "She's fine, your highness."

The bluenette frowned and tried to pry Nao's hand off, but the redhead was resolute about keeping her head on her shoulder.

Nagi only laughed and walked off toward his waiting stallion. All the attendants stood ready with their carts and pack animals. Nagi's squadron of knights also waited on the outskirts of the small town.

Nao glanced at her partner.

"Naooo, it's loud."

The redhead rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to slap Natuski upside the head. "You almost got the both of us killed before we even stepped foot in the tournament, dimwit."

The stable boy brought out their two geldings, auburn for Nao and raven for Natsuki. "My lady…is-is she going to be alright riding?"

Glancing again at her partner only to see the bluenette scrunch up her face in pain, Nao shook her head before resting it lightly on top the bluenette's. "She'll ride with me."

"Your highness, Artai's representatives have been sighted approaching the West gates."

Shizuru nodded. "Ready their quarters. Show King Nagi his way here. I will personally lead him to his room."

"As you command."

Late evening of the third day…at the City's west gate…

"Welcome to Fuuka, your highness King Nagi." Lord Tokiha bowed.

Smiling broadly, Nagi said, "Fuuka is as prosperous as the rumors say. What a rich country."

Tokiha's eye twitched in foreboding but he kept his head bowed and said diplomatically, "As I hear Artai is as well. Please this way, my lord."

Bouncing after the senior scribe, Nagi left most of his entourage behind at the city gate were many other palace attendants huddled.

"Champions of Artai please follow me to your quarters." Natsuki cautiously followed the attendant while Nao lagged behind, glancing far toward the whitewashed walls of the palace and the surrounding mansions and towers. The structures were all gleaming white under the setting sun and the cobble steps reflected the light till the whole city seemed to glow in gold. "You will be housed in the west wing of the palace, near King Nagi."

"I actually don't mind if you find a place for me as far from him as possible." Natuski said, nonchalantly.

The attendant gaped at her but quickly recovered and continued on as if the bluenette didn't just insult her own sovereign. Nao smirked.

As they trekked passed the market where the strong aroma of food and clamor of bustling merchants rang, Natsuki had an eerie feeling of nostalgia. Her mind tickled with cryptic vibes similar to when one knew they forgot something but know not what. Every stimulus from the clatter of horse hooves against the cobble street, to the scent of burnt kebabs, or even to the general atmosphere jarred her psyche like the points of a hundred spikes against her mind. Shaking her head to disband the bizarre feelings, the bluenette concentrated on listening to the footsteps of the attendant and following after her.

"There is a masquerade tonight to celebrate the opening of the tournament. The other countries had all arrived a few days ago. The King and Queen hope that Artai wouldn't be too tired to attend the party as well." Upon entering the palace from the city gate, the attendant led them up a grand flight of stairs before crossing a maze of corridors and rooms.

"OOooh, I like parties." Nao licked her lips in anticipation.

Natsuki groaned. "Do I have to? I'm not feeling well." The attendant fought with herself to not gape at the bluenette again. Everyone wanted to attend the once in a decade fete. It was almost as popular at the tournament itself! But the fete was only for champions and prestigious members of society to attend; the bluenette should have been honored she's considered as such! Unable to stop herself, the attendant looked back at Natsuki who was fidgeting uncomfortably. The bluenette sported a black blindfold wrapped underneath a mane of rich cobalt hair. Her porcelain skin positively glowed in the candlelit corridors. She wore a white blouse tucked under a thick sash of black silk over matching baggy pants and a long royal blue tunic to go over her outfit.

"We've arrived." They stopped in front of a pair of beautifully gilded doors. "Attendants will be here to serve you before the fete begins at nightfall. Please plan to attend, my ladies." With that, the attendant left them staring after her.

"Uh…so we're rooming together again? Isn't the palace big enough for us to have our own rooms??" Natsuki complained.

"Gosh, is that all you do now? Complain? And why are you complaining when I've been carrying you across the country, mutt." Nao rolled her eyes before she pushed the door open and stalked through.

Natsuki flushed and mumbled, "It was only half the country…" The bluenette followed Nao in and was instantly suspicious at the echo of Nao's footsteps in the room. "Hey Nao, there's more than one room, isn't there?"

Nao ignored her. She had hoped there were only one room and preferably one bed, but instead…

The bluenette threw her pack aside and tore through the salon, feeling the walls of the room and listening to her own footsteps echo. "HA! There is two bedrooms! This one's mine, spidey!"

Amusedly watching Natuski run around and disappearing behind her bedroom wall, Nao left her pack on the floor and followed the girl. She found the bluenette snuggling against the bedcovers like a pup. "Do I have to remind you that neither of us has showered in the past two days? Really, mutt, you smell bad."

Picking her head up to the source of the sound, Natsuki wrinkled her nose, "No, you smell horrible. Go shower and leave me alone."

Sometime later in a room nearby…

"I trust you find your accommodations fitting, King Nagi?" Shizuru smiled diplomatically down at the dancing King of Artai. Nagi's room was the tripled the size of both of Natsuki's and Nao's rooms combined. He had a king size bed gilded with gold all around. From the ceiling hung an expressive chandelier that illuminated a room of gold spotted marble tiles. The whole place shimmered like a gold mine.

Jumping onto the gold threaded couch, Nagi grinned widely up at the brunette and said, "It's prefect! You have excellent taste, my dear Queen."

Shizuru's brow twitched slightly at his slimy voice, but she politely thanked Nagi for the compliment. "King Nagi, I assume you are most excited for the upcoming tournament? I heard you have brought two great fighters from Artai."

"Excited!? I have been waiting for this opportunity for years, dear Queen," Nagi eyes gleamed dangerously, "years."

Standing by the door, the Queen of Fuuka gave her own chilling stare. "Yes…the tournament is a much anticipated event." Shizuru paused for a moment to let the emphasis sink in before continuing, "As the host for this year's tournament, Fuuka and myself will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our guests as well as the smooth progression of the actual event."

Grinning from cheek to cheek, Nagi waved away her concern. "I don't doubt the wrath of Shizuru Fujino and the might of Fuuka. But if you ever find anyone bold enough to cross you, I will be the first one to offer my assistance."

Shizuru forced her lips into a smile. "I thank you in advance, King Nagi. But for now, please rest well before the fete tonight. You are going to the masquerade are you not?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Then I will see you tonight. Rest well." Turning toward the elaborate double doors, Shizuru strolled out as soon as her assistant opened the portals wide enough. As she departed she heard, Nagi's maniacal laughter echo down the hall. Gritting her teeth inconspicuously, she turned toward one of her junior scribes.

"Have the champions of Artai been situated as well?"

"Yes, your highness."

"I would like to pay them a visit." Shizuru ordered. She wanted to know what kind of people Nagi had brought with him. The more she could find out the more prepared she can be against whatever scheme the blue devil has up his sleeves. Because Shizuru would bet everything she has that Nagi was not going to play nice during his stay here.

Show me your best cards of Artai, Nagi.

Shizuru stood before the pair of adorned doors leading into the guest's salon. Her assistants walked up to them to proclaim the Queen's presence and Shizuru hardly waited for an answer before she let herself in, hoping to catch her company off guard. That she did.

"Uh…Your Majesty?" Nao asked questioningly, bowing with a towel wrapped around her head and a revealing nightshift hanging loosely from her shoulders. Milky white skin almost glowed under the nearly transparent shift. Water still dripped carelessly from strands of loose red hair that escaped from the towel. Her shoulders gleamed with droplets, smelling strongly of sweet lilac soap.

Shizuru cupped her hand over her mouth to hide a smile. "My apologies for the abrupt intrusion, Champion of Artai. I was…rather impatient to meet my guests."

SuuUUure you were… Nao gestured at her attire and said, "Hope I didn't disappoint Your Highness."

Unable to resist, Shizuru chuckled to herself and smiled appreciatively at the redhead. "Not at all, not at all. You have a striking figure, if I may say so myself."

Lime green eyes widened at the Queens frankness and Nao had to turn aside to hide her slightly flushed face. "L-let me put on a robe." Backing out into her bedroom room before Shizuru could even respond, Nao cursed Natsuki for taking so long in the bath. She had wanted to surprise the bluenette with her outfit and maybe get a little action. But damn Nao. Way to not account for the Queen!

When Nao walked out, Shizuru was sitting comfortably on one of the more elegant couches. She gestured for the redhead to sit across from her while she poured tea for the both of them.

Sipping her drink, Shizuru said, "I'm afraid I have yet to catch your name."

Nao grimaced at the tea. Tea is for weaklings…like the mutt. "Nao. Nao is fine."

Nodding and smiling politely, the brunette asked, "Well Nao, is your partner here as well? I'd like very much to meet him…or her?"

"Her. She's taking a bath now. We had a really long trip."

"That's a shame. I hope at least you enjoyed the scenery of Fuuka."

As the two were conversing, Natsuki found herself sighing into her bubble bath. With her hair tied up, she slid lower into the tub and rested her head against the cushioned edge. The bluenette had long ago stuffed tissue paper into her ears to silence the murmurs coming from the salon. Sometimes she hated her extra strong senses; they were a nuisance during situations where she just wanted to be left in silence. Like now.

Today was a very weird day. Something about this place, about Fuuka really bothered her. There was that trip to the palace where everything around her from the smell of the food to the taste in the air seemed significant. Her mind grasped hungrily for each new scent, new sound or smell and for what, she had no idea. Even when she tried to pay attention to the attendant leading them, she found herself concentrating instead on mentally cataloguing different wares and pastries the vendor where shouting about. Maybe she was just impressed with the city…but she didn't feel impressed. Sure the city seemed luxurious and populated, quite unlike her secluded village life, but it was still only a location where the tournament is held and for her the tournament is just an obstacle to recovering her memories. This was just a place, a foreign city, that's it. But why does it feel like so muchmore?

And then there was the walk in the palace itself; it felt very much like déjà vu which was extremely disconcerting. When she wasn't paying attention to the attendant, her feet moved by themselves as if they knew exactly where the guest rooms in the west wings were located. Her body moved with a familiarity that her mind did not comprehend because when she did concentrate on the attendant's footsteps, the palace seemed overbearingly expansive and alien.

Shoot, she just needs to get the tournament over and done with and get out of here…oh and then there was that thing Nagi wanted her to do…

Natsuki sighed again and let the strong scent of lilac put her to sleep.

"Neh, Shizuru what is this for?"

"A necklace with a ruby pendant. To forever bound you to me, of course."

"Quit joking, Shizuru. This chain is tiny. You'd need a bigger one if you want to lock me up."

"I've already have, love. In here…No matter where you are, I'll find you. I'm afraid you can't escape."

"Heh…you're confused. You're the one who's stuck with me. Run and hide, Shizuru. I'd still find you."

"Is Natsuki so sure?"

"Hell yah. In here, there's a HUUUUGE chain that attaches you to me. All I have to do is follow it and know you'd be at the end. "

"Of course I'll always be at the other end, Natsuki."

"Always and always."

"Yes…always and always."

"Mutt, you look like a bird." Nao exclaimed as she examined Natsuki's masquerade outfit. She was dressed in shocking white silk that flowed like water from her body. The upper half of her face was covered in a simple feathered mask with the center and around the eyes blackened to resemble a swan. Pretty…

"Shuddup, spider." Nao on the other hand insisted to be dressed in very little blood colored fabric and her mask was dotted with six black spots and two more around her eyes. From her arms hung an elegant silver web connected to her body. "Let's go and get this over with."

On their way to the grand hall, they met up with Nagi and his following of ceremonial knights and attendants.

"Hello, champions."

"Your majesty." Nao said and bowed alongside Natsuki.

"Hehe…I almost didn't recognize you two. Quite the beauties." Nagi smiled from ear to ear. "But don't forget to show Artai's courtesies and meet all our targets tonight, yes?"

"Of course." Nao bowed again.

Natsuki flicked her long mane over her shoulder. "At this rate we're gonna miss the party, your majesty." Nagi's presence sent disgusted chills down her spine. All she wanted to do was get far away from him now, but unfortunately they had the same destination in mind.

"The King of Artai, Nagi and his entourage." The announcer called as they entered the grand hall. It looked like they were late and the rest of the guest were already dancing or eating or chattering among themselves.

After the announcer proclaimed their presence, the King and Queen of Fuuka stepped up to a raised dais to officially pronounce the start of the gathering. The music instantly stopped and everyone quieted at the sight, turning toward the pair.

All the way in the back, Nagi and his followers could hardly see their hosts above the heads of hundreds of guests and scurrying servants. Nagi especially had to stand on a chair to see anything. Nao leaned back easily against a column with her arms crossed. Natsuki followed her and rested her shoulder on the same column.

"Welcome representatives of Windbloom, Artai, Aries, Aswad, and Zipang to Fuuka." King Reito started loudly, spreading his arms in a friendly gesture.

Queen Shizuru stepped forward after him and continued, "We are very much honored to host this year's multinational tournament." Her voice bounced against the walls and columns of the grand hall.

Natsuki unconsciously stood up straight and stepped toward the voice.

"Champions of this tournament, please enjoy yourselves. This humble fete is made in your names. Please eat and drink to your heart's content. We wish you well and we will do our utmost best to ensure that this tournament proceeds as planned. As Fuuka is our home, make it your home as well." Shizuru smiled to deafening applause.

Nao gasped, "Natsuki, what's wrong!?"

"Wrong?" Natsuki asked bewildered.

"Y-you're…crying!" The redhead exclaimed.

"Crying…?" She felt at her cheeks with shaky fingers. True enough, a train of tears were trailing uncontrollably from under her mask. "I-I don't…know." Numbly wiping her face clean, Natsuki wondered why herself. A dull ache resonated from her chest, getting stronger by the minute.

"Natsuki…" Nao took a step toward the confused girl.

"Nao…my chest really hurts...like something's pulling at it."

Dank you, dank you for everyone's patience and loyalty to the story.

Again I give my gratitude to the following reviewers:

Ookami Z, Ascoeur, littlebird1985, AyaC, lildevilish, renkhal, Demon Cat08, Adams, noraily, kikyo4ever, krugen, Bleeding Hopes, CherrieBluez, Kuma Kuma, Alexissa2, Twisted Eternal Wolvetta, TsukiYahari

Special note to some:

CherriBluez: I've only seen the first Kill Bill but bc of you I'm tempted to watch the 2nd one. Good job.

kikyo4ever: wow...wow...i hope this chapter answered some of your questions because I wrote it mainly in response to your review, lol. What do you think will happen between the two now?

Demon Cat08: you're really observant. Thanks a ton!

AyaC: Yeah..she did. shame on her! shame!

Ascouer: Rawr! I don't like synonyms

Ookami: it's coming, it's coming!!! don't cryyyyyy. Thanks for being the first reviewer for this chapter!!