Disclaimer: The Sunrise(s) in the east. It also owns Mai Hime.

Chapter 7 – The Proposition

"I remember," were the first words Shizuru uttered after she regained consciousness.

"What do you remember Shizuru?" Satoru gently inquired of his daughter.

"I think I might be a wielder," she declared.

'Could she really be?' Natsuki was thinking while looking at the ruby-eyed lady.

"Kuga-san, hand me the diamond will you?" Satoru commanded.

Natsuki took out the Millennium Star from her jacket and was about to place it on Satoru's palm when the alarm alerting them of the presence of intruders went off.

The phone rang and Satoru was informed that armed men have taken over the main lobby of Fujino Enterprise and some of them were headed straight to his office. Building security was top-notch but apparently, the intruders were not ordinary either. Satoru was sure dai Artai was behind this attack.

He quickly moved to a nearby credenza, unlocked it and took out what appears to be three starfish-shaped objects. He brought one to his chest and the object instantly wrapped its tentacles on his shoulders and waist. He handed one each to Shizuru and Natsuki and the two mimicked what he had just done.

In just a few seconds, the three of them disappeared on the spot.

Just when they had vanished, dai Artai came barging into Satoru's office. He cursed loudly when he failed to see what he came for.

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On what seemed like a blink of an eye, Shizuru and Natsuki suddenly found themselves in a large laboratory of some sort.

"Where are we?" Shizuru asked her father.

"Fujino Enterprise advanced research facility!" Satoru beamed.

"This place is huge!" Natsuki commented.

"I did not know this place existed," Shizuru said feeling a little hurt from being uninformed.

Satoru was about to explain why when a red-haired woman approached them.

"Midori, good to see you. Ladies, this is Midori Sugiura, operations' chief of this mad lab. Midori, this is my daughter Shizuru and her acquaintance, Natsuki Kuga," Satoru introduced.

"A pleasure to meet you," Midori said while offering a hand shake to both women, which they took.

"We're always delighted to have you here Chairman, but why the sudden visit? Is there trouble?" the lab head inquired while assisting the three in removing the contraptions attached to their torsos.

"Yes, but don't worry about that. I have news for you, good news."

"Excuse me father, but Kuga-san and I need the restroom," Shizuru interrupting the conversation when she saw Natsuki fidgeting uncomfortably, like someone who needs relief.

"Please show these ladies Midori. Come to my office when you're done," was Satoru's reply. With that, he turned on his heels and walked the opposite direction.

Midori escorted the two to the restroom and told them she'd wait outside. Natsuki immediately went straight to the nearest stall. She let out a sigh that sounded like a puppy's sound which Shizuru's ears caught, causing the brunette to smile.

'Ara, what a cute sound. Maybe she's not as tough as she looks. I'll find out for sure.'

The stall door opened and a slightly blushing Natsuki came out. She opened the lavatory faucet and washed her hands, all the while feeling red eyes staring at her.

"What are you looking at? It's rude to stare you know."

The CEO smiled and said, "Kannin na for my father's antics Kuga-san. He, I mean we, have caused you so much trouble already."

"Yeah, that's about damn right." the bluenette replied.

A momentary silence fell which was broken when Natsuki spoke again.

"It's Natsuki. Call me Natsuki."

"Alright, Natsuki it is then," Shizuru said with a genuine smile playing on her lips.

'She's beautifu ---… crap! What am I thinking? She did a terrible thing to me! ' Natsuki mentally berated herself for temporarily forgetting what the tawny haired woman has done to her in the past.

"Are you ladies done? The Chairman is waiting for you," Midori said as she peeked inside.

"Let's go Natsuki."

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On the way to Satoru, Shizuru and Natsuki encountered robots, gadgets and other interesting stuff that one would only see in futuristic movies.

Midori explained that all they were seeing were the results of research and development done by the team of scientists and experts working for Fujino Enterprise.

Natsuki was marveling at the wonders when something suddenly forced her to the ground.

"What the…" The curse words died in her throat when she saw the one responsible for her being on all fours.

What looked to be like a blue and silver mechanical dog, with canons protruding on its shoulders, was holding the green-eyed thief down. It appeared to be looking at Natsuki with curious eyes.

Midori chuckled and proceeded to explain the situation.

"This is Duran. As you can see, it is a mecha dog developed for war. That's what these canons are for, to blow enemy up! And it has artificial intelligence!" The lab head explained with glee.

"He seems to have taken a liking to you Natsuki," Shizuru commented. What her real thoughts were 'Ara, this dog is sexy. Just like Natsuki.'

"Hey boy," Natsuki said with a smile while petting the machine. It let out a soft growl letting the human know that it likes the display of affection.

Natsuki realized she was still on the floor and decided to get up when Shizuru extended her arm out to assist her. The bluenette accepted the offered help.

Shizuru felt a jolt of electricity pass through her body when her hand made contact with Natsuki's. The crimson-eyed woman understood the meaning of the sensation and thought, 'So that's how it is. I've got to have her.'

The blue-haired biker dusted herself off and Midori continued leading the way to the Fujino in waiting.

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Satoru was tapping away at his keyboard when Shizuru and Natsuki came in. He pointed at the chairs in front of his desk for the ladies to sit onto. After a few minutes, he spoke.

"Kuga-san, can you please put the Millennium Star in here?" He handed the thief a wooden box. Only to keep her word, Natsuki complied and placed the diamond in it.

The FE Chairman retrieved the container and hid it out of sight. He then directed his gaze towards Shizuru.

"I don't like that look in your eyes father." Shizuru couldn't miss the mischief gleaming in Satoru's pupils.

Instead of answering his daughter Satoru chose to face Natsuki. "Kuga-san, I had my team look you up and I can say I'm quite impressed with your military background. I would like you to become personal bodyguard to my daughter."

"WHAT?!" Both women yelled at Satoru and got up from their seats.

"I don't need a bodyguard!" Came the angry words from the tawny haired CEO. She rarely loses her cool but her father's idea is definitely ridiculous.

"And I don't want to be a bodyguard, especially hers!" Natsuki barked while looking like she's shooting Satoru daggers from her eyes.

"I cannot risk putting your life in danger again. It's either Kuga-san becomes your bodyguard or you stay here in total lockdown 24/7." What will it be Shizuru?"Satoru replied rather calmly.

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To be continued…

Hey guys! I know this chapter is short and long overdue. So sorry for that – work and the BVI Carnival got in the way. With how busy things are, I don't think I would be able to post regular updates. Heck, I didn't even have time to proofread this chap before uploading it.  Anyway, I hope you continue to read TOTN and tell me how you like or dislike it. I'm always open to your ideas on how to keep this fic exciting and read-worthy.

See ya next time!