I see...apparently you guys didn't appreciate my sense of humor regarding the cliffhangers. lol. Oh well, it was fun for me while it lasted~ *wink wink*
There is one thing that I'd like to address before you guys start ignoring me for the story (if you haven't already); I've received some reviews that were concern about Shizuru's OCCness in the last chapter and if there's one who spoke up about it, then there's bound to be others with the same concern but kept quiet about it. Some said she was overly excited/terrified over Natsuki's reappearance. It didn't match her years of training and character. To some extent, I agree that she is very well-bred and very much in control of her emotions in the presence of others.However, that just proves a point that I apparently failed to make in the story-Natsuki's unexpected revival and appearance REALLY, REALLY shocked her. She thought the girl was dead, gone, never to come back; and there was no reason for her to believe otherwise before Natsuki's almost magical reappearance. At least I think, at the time of the shocking and unexpected revelation, she'd most understandably forget all training and facade because if she hadn't, if she had remembered to keep up her cool and collected appearance, I'd sincerely doubt her undying affection toward Natsuki. But that, again, is just my opinion.
(FORGIVE MEEEH Akira Sasaki, if this sounded like a crude and mean response! I DO appreciate your criticism. I like people who has guts to speak their minds! Actually, there was a part in the last chapter that I believe I might have overdone as well. lol. Now i feel really bad. T.T)
THAT BEING SAID, i understand how a terrified Shizuru may, as a reviewer so aptly put it, "irked" some readers (myself included). But for the rest of the story when Shizuru has had the time to digest the situation, she will more or less revert back to her old flirty self whom the mainstream shiznat fans love.
I've also added a hint of NatNao in this chapter mostly for Rad Amber's benefit as well as the rest of the NatNao community.
OH, and i did change my pen-name slightly. I was bored.
"CONGRADULATIONS CONTESTANTS! THE SECOND ROUND WILL BEGIN IN A WEEK'S TIME! REST WELL! UNTIL THEN, FIGHTERS!"
"You heard the man, mutt. Let's go." Nao smiled when Natsuki nodded at her and released Reito to his frantic attendants. He began to regain consciousness and stirred in pain, but there shouldn't be any lasting damage. Surprisingly, he seemed to be the least beaten contestant now. Even Natsuki and she have injuries that'll compromise them in the second and maybe even the third round. The redhead wasn't sure if Nagi would appreciate such a pathetic start, but hey, at least both his Champions are continuing. Yeah…yet... Nao was positive her King would not be pleased. She was going to get a lot of lip from him later.
All around them, the participants began to disperse and attendants and physicians made rounds among the downed fighters. The crowd cried and chanted in zealous fever. Actually…why did they appear so much nearer?
"OH SHIZZLE. It's either run now or get ready for some Naosuki flat-cakes." Nao grabbed Natsuki's uninjured hand and attempted to escape.
Natsuki felt like the earth itself shake under her feet and the pounding in her ears grew ever louder. A thundering of thousands of voices coupled with twice as many rumbling feet, clamored over the tiers and stormed closer and closer to her. Everywhere it was too loud, too hot, and way too many scents.
The pressure of overwhelming senses pulsated painfully in Natsuki's head. Gripping Nao's hand hard to ground herself, Natsuki felt the redhead respond by lightly caressing the back of her hand with her thumb as she quickly led the bluenette toward the closest exit.
Reaching the end of the staircase to a tunnel with one end that opened to the arena and another that opened to the exit, Shizuru immediately spun toward the left where the event was held.
Natsuki was out there. She was out there. They were standing in the same building, breathing in the same air. Shizuru took a deep breath as she paused at the entrance to the arena. How long has it been? 5 years? Has it been 5 year? Consciously clenching and unclenching her hands to calm herself, the brunette narrowed her eyes at the crowd over-spilling onto the arena, making it near impossible for her to locate Natsuki. Jotting down a mental note to employ more guards to control the crowd for the following rounds, the Queen noticed subconsciously the jogging approach of her honor guard.
Shizuru did not move into the mad torrent of people but stayed at the edge where she had an unhindered view of everyone. Crimson eyes scanned the mass of faces before her as she worked to hide her anxiety behind a patient mask. Her guards quickly found her leaning almost leisurely against the archway leading out to the arena, but if they had looked more closely, they would've have seen her brows furrowed in concentration and her body tense, ready to launch at a moment's gleam of silky cobalt hair.
Nao pulled Natsuki through the throng of people, growling every now and then at wondering hands and curious people who got way too close. Natsuki heard the clicking of her staff when some moron kicked it aside and so she dragged the growling Nao away from the exit toward where her bo was.
"Whoa!" Nao almost squealed as she was hauled unexpectedly in the opposite direction.
"My bo." Natsuki answered, frowning in tiring concentration. Nao rolled her eyes but nonetheless yelled for people to get out of their way. Most of the screaming maniacs wanted to touch them and get to know the potential finalists of the decade, yet when they saw Nao's deadly glare most of them smartly backed away with dawning senses of self-preservation. "Nao, do you see it?"
"Yeah, yeah. Stay put." Nao regrettably released Natsuki's warm hand and favored her right shoulder as she bent down for the bluenette's bo. Her eyebrow rose in surprise when she found the weapon to be heavier than she expected. Giving it a testing twirl, she tossed the weapon to the waiting girl who caught it swiftly, twisted the catch, and hid the rod inside the folds of her clothes with a satisfied smile.
"Thanks, Nao." Knocking a random demanding hand away, Natsuki clutched her throbbing head again. "Time to bounce, spider."
Grinning uncontrollably, Nao firmly grabbed Natsuki's hand and then it was them and the world. Just Natsuki and her versus everybody else—hand in hand. Nao chuckled at her own thoughts. What was it about the bluenette? Why was she so smitten with the girl anyways? Sure, Natsuki was definitely good looking. Maybe even as good looking as herself...
Ok. Who was she kidding? The girl looked like a god-forsaken angel. Damn her. But was it only because of her looks? Nao didn't think so.
For Natsuki was very much like her. And like called to like, did it not? She worked well with the bluenette. She trusted and relied on the girl and that was saying a lot. Not because Nao had trust issues, but because the redhead had yet to meet someone who she considered competent enough to be her rival, let alone her partner…that was until Natsuki came along. The girl can match her first for fist and tongue for tongue.
Natsuki would scoff at Nao's threats and counter with her own equally teasing ones. And when the time came, Natsuki had her back. Natsuki, who stood protectively over her while she recovered, took an unnecessary beating for her sake. Nao looked over at the bluenette and promised herself that given half the chance, she'd gladly return the favor.
Finally breaking away from the mass, they reached one of the many exits out of the coliseum. But for some reason, there were too many guards standing at the tunnel's entrance. Nao stopped abruptly and Natsuki almost ran into her. Those weren't just any guards. Their armor gleamed black in the sun and their helmets had distinctive white plumes that proudly defied gravity.
Shizuru slightly frowned at her knights impeding her view. She touched one on the shoulder, motioning him and the others to move aside. The knight nodded and her honor guard parted like curtains before a play. The crowd celebrated in the background. The wind blew strongly with an overpowering sent of sweat and heat, but Shizuru smiled at the hint of ocean in the air.
The curtains gave way to a much closer, much more tangible impossibility before her.
A sharp intake of intoxicating sample of tangy ocean depths.
Widened crimson eye stared at waves upon waves of flowing blue hair. Daughter of the sea.
A moment of shock and disbelief. Then finally: A daring, wary acceptance. Natsuki is back. Here. Facing her.
Flurries of pulsating heart beat. A chain—golden, unbreakable, and forever—tugged her forward.
She reached out dazedly with her hand and her fingers lightly brushed the milky pale face before Natsuki quickly pulled back in alarm, her cheeks searing from the feather light touch.
"Your Highness."
Shizuru stopped and stared blankly at the redhead. For a second, Shizuru struggled to remember her name, but only for a second. Nao.
Nao bowed, bringing the reluctant Natsuki down with her before releasing their hands to properly greet the Queen of Fuuka, but not before Shizuru coldly took note of their physical contact.
"Nao." Shizuru executed her perfect smile. "Congratulations on winning your first round."
Rising from her bow, the redhead crooked her brow at the unmistakably frosty crimson gaze. What the hell? Did I step on her toe?
"And Natsuki…"
You really ARE alive. And you've come back for me. Natsuki…do you have any idea how much I've missed you?
Shizuru stepped toward her again, close enough so that their hands slightly glazed each other.
Nao felt the girl stiffen beside her. Natsuki tensed at how close they were standing, but she didn't pull away this time. Something about the way the queen hung on to each syllable of her name hinted strongly at an undercurrent of meanings and feelings that those too simple words belied.
"You did well too, Natsuki." Shizuru commended warmly, annoyingly aware of the many pairs of eyes around them.
It hurts to just look at you. I want to hold you, hug you, feel you. Oh I've missed you so much, love. So muuch.
But there were too many people here. Too many wagging tongues.
Shizuru's hand twitched and her pinky hooked onto Natsuki's finger, partially hidden under Shizuru's long sleeves.
Nasuki froze. Her overwhelmed senses honed in on the cool touch and the singular voice—the powerfully confident voice that was currently speaking to her. The same one that paralyzed and froze her muscles while at the same time fired her blood to a sizzled right below her skin. The voice that Natsuki was sure carried more meaning in its tone and force than the words she was speaking. What was it? Why did she keep touching her?
Who is this woman!
Only Shizuru's lifetime of training kept her fixed where she stood instead of pouncing on the girl right then and there. She wanted to confirm what her eyes were seeing. She had to make sure Natsuki was really standing right before her. In the flesh. That she wouldn't disappear as soon as Shizuru held her.
Glancing down at Natsuki's limp arm and the rest of her cut and bruised body, Shizuru inconspicuously bit her cheek worriedly and asked, "Natsuki, perhaps I should send for a physician for you?"
For every scratch and nick I see on you, Natsuki, my heart embraces another dagger of pain. I'm so sorry, darling.
Without waiting for an answer, the Queen nodded firmly at one of her knights and off he went, at a run.
Frowning at how close the two were standing together, Nao glanced between Natsuki and Shizuru. True, Natsuki was bruised but hardly anymore than she was. Why was the Queen so concerned about the bluennet anyways? She was her partner. Her's. And was it just Nao, or did Shizuru say Natsuki's name one too many times? The redhead turned toward the bluenette.
Natsuki shook herself out of her stupor. "I-I—" the girl attempted to tell Shizuru she was fine.
"YOUR HIGHNESS!" A trail of attendants and physicians had the King of Fuuka slouched among them as they carefully carried Reito to his wife. "The King, thankfully, is recovering." One of the physicians breathed out in relief, expecting Shizuru to do the same.
Though she wanted to cluck her tongue in annoyance, Shizuru stopped herself and instead dutifully pulled away from Natsuki and took her place next to Reito. "Thank you very much for your hard work. He looks better already." She smiled kindly at her head physician Akane.
Reito lifted his heavy head and struggled to stand by himself. "Yes, don't worry, my love. I'm fine." The king smiled weakly at Shizuru who robotically returned the same expression. Akane and the surrounding witnesses sighed at the seemingly touching sight—all save one.
Natsuki scowled. And she didn't even understand why. She liked Shizuru's warmth near her and the small contact they had had. Now her stomach clenched painfully at the exchange between husband and wife. She felt the urge to run away—far, far away. She didn't want to hear the concern in Shizuru's voice. Didn't want to hear Reito's placating response. And she definitely didn't feel well when he referred to her as 'love.'
But...all this had nothing to do with her. Nothing. None of this should bother her at all.
But it did. It made her sick. Maybe it was because she knew Reito was a big fat flirt. He was a fake. He didn't love her. He doesn't even care for her. He lies! Damn lucky fake. The man didn't deserve someone like the queen. She needed someone better. She deserved someone better.
Reito needs to get his act straight before Natsuki beat it in him, king or no. Wait. Why would she bother with him anyways? Why would she care? This was a family issue. None of her concern. She wasn't family…she had no family…did she?
"Hey! Earth the Natsuki!" the girl stared at an annoyed but concerned Nao.
"What?" Natsuki asked, bewildered, but Nao only huffed.
"The Queen asked me to examine you?" Akane asked timidly, uncertain about the fighter's frown.
"Yes, Natsuki. Please make use of our resources here at Fuuka. And Nao." Shizuru nodded at the redhead before immediately turning back to Natsuki. "I beseech you to take good care of yourselves in light of the next round."
I love you, I love you, I love you. Please don't let me see you like this again, child!
For some reason, Natsuki felt like cringing—like she had just been scolded for playing too hard and too long in the sun. Thinking that she must be delusional from lost of blood, the bluenette only numbly nodded acquiescent.
Hanging on to what little words Natsuki had spoken so far, Shizuru replayed every huskily uttered sound from the girl. Her voice had grown deeper and more alluring over the years and Shizuru wanted to hear more of it. She wanted to drown herself in it again.
"We'll leave them in your hands then, Akane." Reito nudged Shizuru forward while everyone else bowed at their retreat. Shizuru resisted at first but then Reito urgently whispered in her ear, "You have a meeting with the Parliament soon, remember?"
Grimacing, Shizuru looked back at the bowed head of her love and secretly vowed to search for her as soon as her day was done.
When Natsuki heard their faint footsteps disappear out of the tunnel, she released the breath she didn't know she was holding. The queen made her uncomfortable, very uncomfortable. Heck, she couldn't even breathe in her presence. And why did the Queen keep on touching her? More importantly, why did she let Shizuru touch her? Her face still burned under the feather-light caress and her hand tingled in phantom remembrance. The woman was like a maze. Every utterance and motion spoke of layers and layers of meanings that the bluenette couldn't begin to comprehend.
If Natsuki felt overwhelmed by her senses before when she was centered in the middle of half the city's population, it was nothing compared to how she felt in the face of that one woman. In her presence, years and years of training with Akio disappeared in a single breath. None of her senses worked and she didn't even care because her mind only focused on one thing: deciphering the cryptic messages that underlined each of Shizuru's words.
Shizuru….she was the Queen of the people. Why would such an important person bother with a damaged girl like herself? Surely, she must be imagining things. There was no hidden meaning. Shizuru had graciously said everything as only a courteous hostess would, nothing more. She was hurt on Shizuru's soil; therefore, Shizuru was obligated to offer resources to mend her wounds. She was a responsibility. A duty….a guest. Like all her other guests. Because Shizuru was a good queen, she made sure everyone was well tended to. Natsuki was no one special. If she was anyone to Shizuru, she was…
She was damaged goods. She was blind. Maybe the Queen pitied her.
….thanks but no thanks. Natsuki chuckled bitterly.
"Does it hurt?" Akane looked up worriedly at the bluenette's morose expression. She was almost finished fastening the stilt against Natsuki's straightened arm. The bone had only fractured and would heal with time as long as Natsuki didn't move it around too much.
Nao watched Natsuki shake her head, barely registering what the cute physician was asking. The redhead sighed. Ever since the Queen left, Natsuki had been in lala land. They couldn't even move her to the castle, she was so dazed and fragile looking. In fact, they were forced to set up an impromptu medical camp right here in the middle of the tunnel.
A number of junior physicians surrounded both her and Natsuki as they tended to small cuts and bruises. One thing was for sure, Fuuka lacked little in terms of slaves and labor. A ripening fruit ready for the taking, Nagi would say.
Everything stung. Nao winced often but Natsuki sat immobile and indifferent to the alcohol burning her wounds or the pressure of the stilt against her fractured arm. Shaking her head, Nao whispered half to herself, "What's wrong with you, mutt?" As expected, Natsuki didn't look like she registered her question at all.
Akane was just tying off the knot of Natsuki's arm sling around her neck when Nagi descended the stairs of the tunnel and approached them. Everyone in attendance bowed to him but Natsuki continued to stare off in space.
"Ahem." Nagi looked pointedly at the bluenette and Akane gently shook the girl out of her reverie.
"Huh…?" Natsuki felt the creepy sensation of too many eyes on her. "What?" She asked, getting annoyed.
Nao smiled and leaned back against the stone wall in relief, but Nagi only seemed irritated at the bluenette's reaction. "Do you know who I am?" Nagi sneered.
Devil's spawn.
"Nagi." Natsuki said deadpan as she rose to her full height, effectively towering over the man. She did not have the patience to deal with him right now. She barely slept the night before. She hurt everywhere. Her mind was in a state of chaotic jumble. And Nagi was the last person she wanted to see at the moment.
Everyone gasped at her blatant disrespect—all save Nao who could barely suppress a laugh.
Nagi glowered at the girl before breathing in deeply and plastering a grin on his face, showing an abundance of teeth. "I'm glad your head is still functioning then." Natsuki exaggeratedly rolled her head. Nagi ignored the offensive gesture. "Why then, may I ask, did you bother saving an opponent?" the dwarf asked.
All those in attendance looked around, whispering who specifically Nagi might be referring to. Many came to the same conclusion—their charming King Reito. Natsuki had saved their king from Windbloom's fighter. And now her liege demanded to know why.
But what does he mean 'why'?
Isn't it the expected, appropriate thing to do?
No, Reito wasn't her king.
Her loyalties are to Artai. Isn't it?
I hear Artai isn't too happy with us.
She has balls, she. Balls and guts.
Don't forget the pretty face too.
Akane stood defiantly next to Natsuki, followed quickly by many others.
Nagi lifted his brow at the support of attendants and physicians forming a semi-circle around Natsuki. They all looked stubbornly at him, daring him to touch her. And Nagi laughed at the pathetic sight of armless men and women wanting to defy him. With one motion of his hand, his men-at-arms came running to his aid.
At the threatening scene of a dozen knights with swords and shields strapped to their backs, Nao pushed herself off the wall and came to Natsuki's side. "Mutt, calm down. Nagi will color these walls with our blood if we push him far enough." Nao whispered and squeezed her partner's shoulder consolingly.
Letting loose a deep exasperated breath, Natsuki shrugged her shoulders and lied. "I was bored. And it looked like he was hogging all the fun."
A pause.
And then Nao cackled so hard she was holding her sides. Everyone else giggled and snickered behind their hands. Natsuki smirked at the response, but Nagi gave her an unimpressed look.
"Is that right?" He smiled widely again. "Well then, I guess I must entertain you with a few storytelling of my own." Nagi turned and beckoned for Natsuki and Nao to follow him.
"No thanks." Natsuki had had enough of the slimy voice violating her ears. Just the thought of storytelling with him made her gag.
Nagi turned back around, the smile still glued to his face. "What?" He asked innocently, "Would you rather not learn of your past, Na-tsu-ki?"
"wait...what?" the bluenette yelled in disbelief. Nagi knows. He knows!
The King of Artai only snorted at the girl before he spun back around and walked off, confident that his two champions would follow closely behind like the dogs that they were.
This was a rather short chapter in comparison to the previous chapters, but I thought I ended it at a good stopping point. Maybe. Fine. I was just being lazy. .
Reviewers of the Year:
Twisted Eternal Wolvetta, Miss-TinyTinyT91, Ascoeur, il0vesunfl0wers, casmi, JuiceTomato, renkhal, Ookami Z, i am toad, treawolf, incandescentXangel, bored an' sleepy, katieka, Kutt, noraily, kikyo4ever, aazzar, ALEXISSA2, shamanic demonator, Silver-Eyed-Rukia, Demon Cat08, TsukiYahari, J_Alec, AyaC, MissIzzyB, Kuma Kuma, KaraWasHere, Akira Sasaki, Rad Amber, obsessedwithshiznat, colorfulsunrises514, CherrieBluez, LunarMiko07
Special Notes to curious reviewers:
Twisted Eternal Wolvetta-Natsuki remembered Shizuru's name? I didn't mean to infer that in the last chapter. Which part of the last chapter hinted at Natsuki knowing Shizuru's name? I'd like to fix it if it did. Thanks for the note!
JuiceTomato-wow...really, the things you think brilliant...are usually unwitting mistakes on my part, lol. I forgot Rad IS a character in Mai Otome. And here I thought I came up with a random name. I'm glad it worked out the way it did though.
kikyo4ever-Are you a poet? What a review! Thanks! and I like Nao too. ;D
Silver-Eyed-Rukia-Thanks pal. I don't see any reason to take offense ^^
Akira Sasaki-You wrote one of my most helpful reviews. And i'm am REALLY sorry if my author's note at the beginning of the chapter sounded harsh. I wish i could make it as elegant and nice as your review, but I started off the chapter upset at life. Really. FORGIVE MEEEH! I definitely see your point that Shizuru's 'famous control' was no where to be seen in the last chapter. She was out of her element. But trust me, she'll be back. In fact, I wrote the reunion in this chapter thinking of your review. I sincerely hope I had done better in keeping Shizuru in line with her personality.
Treawolf-there. there's your akane. lol
Rad Amber-*high five* for NatNao!
CherrieBluez-aw, o well. It was worth a shot.
