I Wish

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own, not did I create Mai Hime and it's characters.

*********************************************************************8

Quickly leaving the scene of Shizuru and Natsuki's escalating make-out session, Mai desperately tried to scrub the vision of those two going "where no man has gone before", out of her memory. Love was wonderful, but it didn't need to be consummated at the best place to have lunch on campus. She made a mental note to bring some of those pre-moistened, disposable disinfecting towelettes to wipe down the seats the next time she ate lunch there. That thought brought her to a halt, as she realized there never would be a 'next time' if she didn't find someone to make the wish. Sadness filled the redhead's heart again as she remembered her poor brother confined to the hospital in Nagano. She couldn't give up hope and needed to think of her next move.

Mai decided to take a walk through the woods to clear her head, and she didn't stop until she reached a bluff that overlooked Fuka Harbor. The massive bridge she and Shizuru had crossed not two hours before loomed in the distance, and its presence filled her with hope. Though it was foolish to think it, Mai considered it a symbol that there would always be a path to get back home. She just needed to figure out how to find that path.

Staring off in the distance, Mai contemplated her recent actions and realized that she hadn't fully thought things through. She just had assumed that Akira would come with her after she told the younger girl about Takumi. After this incident, Mai realized very quickly that her story was too crazy for someone to blindly follow her to meet a complete stranger. Mai thought she had found a way around the crazy story roadblock with Shizuru, but using the sedative to kidnap the Kyoto girl was one of the stupidest things she had ever done. It endangered Shizuru's health, and if the older girl hadn't been so forgiving, that stunt could've landed Mai in jail for assault, kidnapping, and not to mention theft of medical supplies. Mai bowed her head in mortification.

Mai sighed as she considered her next course of action. Whomever she approached needed to find the Hime lifestyle – namely that of power and adventure - intriguing and preferable to what they had in this reality. There also needed to be something about her world that this world couldn't supply for the wish granter. She had hoped that the possibility of true love that accompanied the Hime reality would be enough to convince both Akira and Shizuru, but Mai had been wrong. The Akira incident taught her that you can't convince somebody that they'd be happier if they were in love, while the extended drama with Natsuki and Shizuru showed her that love – however inevitable - blossoms when it wishes.

Sitting down in the sunlight, Mai began to tick off all of the remaining former Hime in her head and consider who would be most likely to help her and why.

First off, there was Nao. Mai wasn't due to meet up with the younger girl for several more hours, and getting her to wish that Hime had existed was iffy at best. Mai hated to do it, but she decided that a little deception would be in order if she was to convince Nao. The sassy green-eyed redhead didn't need to know that the Hime powers they had possessed were no longer at their disposal. Nao's power-hungry attitude just may be the key to getting her to make the wish, so Mai needed to maintain the illusion that Hime abilities were waiting for her.

There was also Mikoto to consider. That girl would do anything for her, and Mai didn't think convincing her that Hime had existed would be too difficult. She'd just have to tell the girl that the only way they could be together would be by making the wish. Mai felt a tightening in her chest at this thought. Could she ask Mikoto to make such a wish? The girl seemed happy and well adjusted here, and she had parents. Mai didn't know why Reito and Mikoto had been raised by their grandparents in her reality, but the thought gnawed at her that their parents hadn't given them up willingly. She would have to think long and hard about asking Mikoto to give up so much.

Then there were Sister Yukariko, Akane, Yukino, and Shiho. Try as she might, Mai just couldn't think of any reason any of them would desire that Hime ever existed. Most of them had someone special in their life with or without Hime, and none of them were especially power hungry. Her only chance might come if they had lost their 'special person' in this world. Mai's thought made her sick. She couldn't believe she was actually hoping that someone had died so she would have a carrot to dangle to make the wish occur. Disgusted with her own thought process, and frustrated with everything that had occurred since she woke up in this reality, Mai couldn't stifle the tears that streamed down her face.

***************************************************

Hours later, Mai was walking toward Nao's dorm room. The redhead had cried herself to sleep and only woke up when the sun had shifted position and she found herself shivering in the shade, her stomach growling in hunger. Classes had ended for the day, so it was now or never to talk to Nao.

Without a glance, Mai passed the campus directory which Nao had suggested she consult to find her dorm building. Mai knew this campus inside and out, and she leisurely strolled between the familiar buildings until she arrived at Building C. Climbing the stairs to the room felt so strange. It truly felt like she was coming home after a hard day of classes and when she opened the door, Mikoto would be waiting for her, ready to supply her with a big hug.

Arriving at room 308, Mai hesitated only a moment before knocking. She heard some movement on the other side of the door and was startled when it was suddenly thrown back and a dark blur latched itself to her body.

"Mai!" yelled the enthusiastic blur.

The busty redhead was stunned to see Mikoto's face nuzzled into her bosom, just like she had done so often in her own reality. For a brief moment, Mai actually thought she had returned home… until a snarky voice ruined that dream.

"Mikoto, you should let Chesty La Rue inside before you start fondling her," sneered Nao.

Mikoto turned her attention toward her roommate and stuck out her tongue, "Oh be quiet, Nao."

Looking back toward Mai, the exuberant yellow-eyed girl grabbed her by the hands and pulled her into the room. "I'm so glad you're here! Did Reito tell you where to find me?" questioned Mikoto with a smile.

Mai smiled weakly at Mikoto, and silently wished for an extra minute to think of a response. How could she let her young friend know that she wasn't there to see her without hurting her feelings? Mai looked toward Nao for help, but the younger redhead just rolled her eyes and continued filing her nails.

"Oh, well you see M-Mikoto-chan," stuttered Mai "...I uh actually ran into Nao earlier and..."

Nao cut her off in mid-sentence, and in her usual bored tone chimed in, "Busty here mentioned she knew you, and I informed her that we're roommates. She was ecstatic to find out where she could find you again and volunteered to cook us all dinner."

Mikoto's already happy face gained a slight blush as she shyly glanced at Mai. The lavender-eyed redhead was at a loss for words and merely rubbed the back of her head and smiled at her young friend.

Mikoto pounced on Nao's back and gave her fierce hug. "You didn't tell me you had met Mai earlier! I've been talking about her since I got home and you never mentioned she was coming for dinner," chirped a delighted Mikoto.

Nao grumbled at the physical affection she was receiving from her high-spirited roommate, but she did little to remove the girl. Mai even noticed a slight upward twitch at the corners of the emerald-eyed girls mouth, though its meaning was hard to decipher.

Releasing Nao from her friendly hug, Mikoto turned her attention back toward Mai and exclaimed, "I'm so happy Mai wished to see me again, perhaps as much I wished to see her!"

The older redhead was grateful that Nao hadn't told Mikoto the truth behind her appearance at their dorm. Though she probably would've maintained an outward jubilant appearance, Mai knew Mikoto well enough to know that her feelings would've been hurt. Apparently Nao knew this as well and, somewhat surprisingly, lied to prevent those hurt feelings from materializing. Did Nao actually have a heart?

Mikoto flitted around Mai like bee near a flower as she bombarded the older girl with questions. Mai attempted to answer them as best as she could without lying too much, but twisting the truth became increasingly difficult with every passing moment.

Nao was annoyed by the incessant chatter and wanted to tell the duo to shut the hell up, but she bite her tongue because watching Mai squirm under her roommate's attention was just too much fun. However, after several minutes, she just couldn't take it anymore and interrupted Mikoto mid-question with her own inquiry.

"So Miss Double-Fun, what will you and the 'twins' be making us for dinner?" interjected Nao with a smirk. If she was going to have this stranger in her dorm room, she may as well get a free meal out of it.

Relief washed over Mai as the barrage of questions was cut off, knowing that she'd be able to talk about something without trying to think of a lie.

"Well, what do the two of you have in the way of supplies?" asked Mai as she walked toward the kitchen and started to open up their cabinets.

"We have instant ramen," came a synchronized reply from Nao and Mikoto.

The contents of their cupboards verified the statement, and Mai was a little disturbed by the lack of nutritious food. Mai realized that Mikoto loved ramen, but did the girl eat anything else in this reality? Even though she had often humored the feral girl's food cravings, the older redhead had always attempted to balance the constantly hungry girl's diet, and made sure that fresh ingredients were included in all of her meals.

"So do you have any vegetables?" Mai opened the small fridge in the room to reveal some sports drinks and a small, unopened bottle of mayo. "Well, I guess that answers my question..."

Picking up the unopened bottle of mayo, Mai waved it toward Nao, winking, "Ooh, I see you made sure to stock Natsuki's favorite 'food' in your fridge. " The older redhead loved the look of rage and embarrassment that overwhelmed the green-eyed girls face, and continued her teasing, "Hmm, it looks like this bottle is about to expire, so I guess you've been waiting a long time for her to visit."

"Baka! I didn't buy that for her!" denied Nao with embarrassment.

Mai just laughed and put the jar back in its place. Mikoto looked between the two in confusion and decided she should change the subject back to a topic she understood - food.

"Mai, I'm hungry!" came a meow-like plea from the girl with braids.

Smiling toward her dark-haired friend, Mai affectionately told her to wait patiently.

"I need to go down to my car and get my cooler. I have an ice chest with some food in it, and I'll be able to whip you two up something that has some nutritional value."

Nao smirked and looked toward her roommate, "Maybe with something other than ramen in your belly, you'll finally be able to beat Tate during tomorrow's kendo tournament."

Mikoto scowled at the mention of Tate's name and internally vowed she'd defeat her nemesis.

"Why do you dislike Tate so much?" Mai inquired, curious about her 'boyfriend' in this reality.

The dark-haired girl just growled and clenched her fists in anger, so Nao thoughtfully answered for her.

"Ever since gel-brains managed to defeat Takeda to become Kendo Captain, and after he started dating Shiho, Tate has become the cockiest bastard to ever grace Fuka Academy." With a laugh, Nao added, "I suspect his cockiness is due to the fact that he is now using said appendage in a 'team sport.'"

Mai was sick to her stomach at those words and hastily made an excuse to go get the cooler of food from her car. She couldn't believe that Tate and Shiho were sleeping together. Shiho was still in middle school and Mai wasn't even certain if she had turned 15 years old. To the redhead, it seemed like the two had rushed into a physical relationship. The thought of them together filled her with jealousy, not to mention grossed her out. Mai started to debate whether she was just being an envious prude, but she ultimately had to stop thinking about the subject when she threw up a little in her mouth.

Reaching her car, Mai popped the trunk and pulled out a bottle of water from the cooler. After sufficiently rinsing her mouth, Mai took stock of what she had brought to eat and quickly concocted the night's menu in her head. Hefting the cooler, along with a large canvas bag filled with dried goods and cooking supplies, from the trunk, Mai dreaded hauling it back to Nao and Mikoto's dorm room. Once again, she hadn't thought things through and wished she had asked one of the girls to help her bring stuff back.

Mai internally grumbled, "Damn that Nao for mentioning Tate's relationship with Shiho! If she hadn't brought that up I wouldn't have bolted from the room like scared rabbit."

Quickly turning with the load in her arms, the redhead bumped right into a small, sturdy object. Looking around the canvas bag on top of the cooler, Mai saw Mikoto standing there with a big smile on her face.

"Mai left the room so fast, I didn't have time to offer my assistance," Mikoto shyly took the cooler from the older girl's arms and with ease hefted it onto her shoulder.

Looking at the slight girl, one would always forget how strong and agile she was. Even without her Hime powers, Mikoto had a magical quality about her that made Mai's heart clench in wonder.

Reaching up, the redhead took the bag from the top of the cooler and thanked her young friend's thoughtfulness with a quick kiss to the top of her head, "Thank you, you've saved me from a horrible fate. I wasn't looking forward to dragging that thing up to your room by myself. Can I help you carry it?"

Still glowing from the kiss, Mikoto barely managed to squeak out that she'd be fine carrying it by herself. Her reaction caused Mai to giggle, and she took Mikoto's free arm in her own as she led the two of them back to the dorm building.

**************************************************

Nao hated to admit it, but the meal Mai had created was the most delicious she had ever eaten. Granted, her diet had consisted of nothing but instant noodles in recent weeks, but she couldn't recall anything she'd tasted in the past that could even rival what this stranger had made… on the fly… with ingredients from a cooler. Nao glanced over at Mikoto, who was currently passed out on the floor. The feline-esque girl had devoured half of what had been made, along with an additional bowl of ramen that Mai had cooked up to satiate the girls hunger. Nao suspected her roommate would never eat another bowl of ramen again, unless it was cooked by her new friend.

Currently, the mysterious cook was washing the dishes and humming an unrecognizable song. Nao had never met a teenager that was so domestic and motherly. Frankly it made her sick.

"Do you have to hum and act chipper while you do the dishes?" grumbled Nao. "What are you, crazy?"

Looking over her shoulder, Mai rolled her eyes at Nao. "Gracious as always," sighed the older redhead.

"There you go again," getting to her feet, Nao walked toward the enigmatic girl. "You act as if you know me, but I know for a fact that you don't. I'd never forget a pair of knockers like those," laughed Nao bitterly as she jabbed a finger into the other girl's bosom.

Slapping the offending hand away, Mai smirked, "I always wondered why you disliked me so much. I guess you were just jealous of my 'natural assets', seeing as how you have, well, none."

"Jealous?!" scoffed Nao. "Trust me, honey, I don't need or want double F's. I rather enjoy being able to see my own feet."

Realizing she was falling into the old habit of arguing with Nao, Mai decided to quickly change subjects before the other girl kicked her out of the room.

"Fine, you're not jealous of me," sighed the cook, as she took off her apron and stored it back in her canvas bag. "However, I do know you."

Nao looked confused and demanded she explain. Her agitated voice briefly woke Mikoto before the little cat fell back into her food-induced slumber. Mai suggested they take a walk somewhere so that they didn't disturb the napping girl.

The two walked in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, until Nao couldn't take it anymore.

"All right, Chesty, we've walked far enough, and now I need some answers!"

Spotting a bench close by, Mai suggested they sit during her story and grabbed the other girls arm before she could protest.

"Nao, what would you say if I told you I could make your wildest dreams come true?"

Nao smirked, "I'd say you couldn't handle my wildest dreams, and that you should go find yourself a vanilla playmate, because I'm not interested."

The older redhead smacked herself in the head for what felt like the millionth time and almost missed Nao's attempted departure. "That's not what I meant!" growled Mai, as she tugged the hem of the younger girl's skirt to prevent her from leaving.

"Whoa, watch the hands pervert," emerald eyes glared at lavender ones, as she pulled the waist band of her skirt back up her hips. "I can assure you, the carpet most definitely matches drapes," with a smirk she added, "Although I bet you can't boast the same."

"I can't believe we're having this conversation."

"I can't believe you're a natural redhead."

A frustrated Mai threw up her hands, "Fine, fine! You win fire-crotch! If it'll make you happy, I'm not a natural redhead...geez this is infantile..."

"So what's your natural hair color?"

Holding her head in her hands, Mai let out a screech of frustration and resisted the urge to punch the other girl in the face.

Nao loved seeing this strange girl agitated like this, though truth be told, she loved seeing everybody like this. It gave her a visceral sense of satisfaction that she could prompt such a reaction.

Mai looked up, saw the smirk on Nao's face, and sighed. She needed to take control of the situation and quick.

"Do you want to hear my story or not?"

Frowning at the change in topic, though truly curious as to how this girl knew her, Nao grunted an affirmative.

"All right, you need to keep an open mind. What I'm going to tell you will sound crazy, but I assure you it's true."

Taking a deep breath, Mai blurted out the story of the Hime and the powers they had possessed. The older redhead explained that, in a moment of extreme frustration, she had made a wish to eradicate Hime from world history, though she made a conscious decision to exclude the part where they had already lost their abilities by the time the wish was granted.

"So there you have it. In my world, you and I were joined by fate due to these 'Hime' powers, and I need you to make a wish that will set the world back as it was."

"Let me get this straight," Nao narrowed her eyes at Mai. "I was a 'battle princess' who was vying to become the 'crystal princess' using some combination of magic and a giant spider woman monster?"

"Yup."

Nao continued to glare at Mai, "In addition to battling other 'Hime', you claim I also used these powers to tie up and then rob perverts?"

"Well, I don't know if they were all technically perverts, but you did rob them using your powers."

"Shit, you are crazy," sighed Nao, and Mai's heart clenched. "You had this amazing power and you wished it away. Fuck, you took it away from me!"

Mai was stunned, "Do you believe me?"

With shrug, Nao admitted, "Hell, I guess I do."

Mai's heart was beating a mile a minute. Could her journey be over? Will this nightmare finally end?

"Will you make the wish?"

"Yeah, why not?" laughed Nao. Taking a breath, Nao intoned, "I wish that Hime had existed and this dumb ass had never made such a stupid mistake by wishing they didn't."

The two sat there staring at each other, waiting for something to happen. After several minutes Nao finally broke the silence.

"Uh, so when does the magic happen?"

"Um, I'm not sure," said Mai as she rubbed the back of her head. "When I made my wish, she said it that it would come true when I woke up in the morning. Maybe one of us needs to go to sleep to make it happen?"

A faint cry in the distance caught the attention of the duo. Standing up and looking behind them, they saw Mikoto come running up.

"Mai!" cried the young brunette, as she threw herself into the lavender-eyed girl's chest and wrapped her arms around her waist.

Mai yelped in surprise as she was thrown back by the enthusiastic girl. "Whoa, Mikoto! What's up?"

Teary yellow eyes looked up toward the redhead's face, "I thought you had left without saying goodbye!"

"Don't worry, kid," said Nao with a hint of affection and a lot of exasperation. "I've just asked Chesty if she wants to stay the night with us, but you came barreling in and interrupted our conversation. So what do you say Miss La Rue?"

Once again, Mai was stunned at Nao's thoughtful response to the situation. For all the delight the younger redhead seemed to obtain from making others miserable, she never did it to Mikoto.

"Uh, I'd be delighted to stay with you two tonight," said Mai, which caused the spiky haired brunette to bury her face in the lavender-eyed girl's chest.

Nao rolled her eyes at the disgustingly lovey scene that was unfolding before her and took off without a second glance.

*****************************************

Something heavy was on Mai's chest, and she found that she couldn't move her left arm. Opening her eyes, sunlight momentarily blinded her before she could focus on the heavy object pressed against her body. It was Mikoto! Holy crap, was she back in her own reality?

The buxom redhead was lightheaded with joy and almost squealed in delight. But then she heard Nao's voice.

"Are you sure you're not a dyke? Because I gotta say, it seems like you're awfully comfortable having a chick fondle your chest."

Craning her neck to look to her right, Mai spotted Nao sitting in a chair staring at the bed she and Mikoto were lying in. Carefully extracting herself from her young companion's grasp, the disheartened redhead didn't even bother with a retort.

"I guess your wish didn't work," sighed Mai as she walked toward the kitchen to start making breakfast.

With a shrug, Nao responded, "I guess not. Any theories as to why?"

Mai rubbed her face in frustration. "It could be for any number of reasons. Madame Maria said that the one who made the wish needed to believe that Hime had really existed, and the wish maker needed to have a passionate desire for the world to be as I described. So if you don't really believe me, or if you lack the passion required for the wish to be granted, well then I guess it wouldn't work."

"Damn it! I may have fucked this up when I lied to her about our Hime powers still existing. They need to have a passionate desire for the world to be as I describe, but I didn't describe the world I came from to Nao. The reality she wished for never existed for me, so in theory she wouldn't be able to counter act my original wish."

Mai's head felt like it was going to explode, and she almost missed Nao's question.

"So what's your next move going to be?"

Looking toward Mikoto, Mai debated whether or not she should ask the sleeping girl to make such a wish. Nao noticed her gaze and frowned.

"Was she a 'Hime' as well?"

"Yes."

Nao's frown deepened as she asked, "Would she be better off in this other world?"

This time Mai frowned because she knew the answer to that question was a big, fat no.

"Why do you care?" groused Mai.

Nao shrugged, "I care because the world you describe doesn't sound like something suited for the Mikoto I know. I made the wish because it would be nothing but beneficial for me to have these powers. Fighting, deception, betrayal... these are all things I know well and deal with on a daily basis."

Looking toward the sleeping girl, a small smile briefly showed on Nao's lips before it quickly disappeared. "That girl there, well, she knows nothing but how to love. Even that prick Tate, whom she claims to despise… fuck, she actually likes the bastard! Mikoto is just feeling hurt right now because her sempai hasn't been paying as much attention to her as he did before starting to screw that slut Shiho. He was like a second big brother to her, and lately all he does is talk down to her like she's some stupid kid. However, if he changed his ways today, she'd forgive him in a heart beat."

Nao shook her head in amusement and walked over toward the bed her roommate was sprawled out on. Sitting on the edge, she gently brushed one of the brunette's braids off of her face.

"She's the only real friend I've made at this school. I know plenty of people, but Mikoto, well she's special. What you see is what you get, and I can trust her completely."

Mai stared at Nao in total confusion, "If that's how you feel about her, then why were you willing to wish her into a world where she would have to deal with betrayal and fight those that she loves?"

"I didn't know she was a Hime until a few minutes ago," Nao hissed coldly. "This information changes things, so I'm glad the wish didn't work. If I had known that she was involved, well, I wouldn't have made it."

"How kind of you," snarled Mai.

"I am being kind," countered Nao. "Maybe you're too selfish to see it, but that kind of world isn't best for Mikoto. For whatever reason, she's taken an instant liking to you and she'd make the wish out of a desire to please you without ever considering the consequences. Fuck, maybe like you she'd remember everything from this world and have major break down. I don't want to put her in that kind of position."

Mai was ashamed, because she knew what Nao was thinking logically. Her world really wasn't better for any of them. Only she and Takumi had seemingly benefitted from the existence of Hime. Mai hated it when Nao was right.

"Fine, I won't involve Mikoto."

"Good, I'm glad you're seeing reason," snapped Nao.

The two girls stared at each other with contempt when a sleepy voice cut through the tension.

"Mai, I'm hungry"

*************************************************

After breakfast, Mai accompanied Mikoto to the kendo tournament that was being hosted by Fuka Academy, and she cheered the younger girl on. The petite brunette was amazingly fast and beat competitor after competitor with little difficulty. The final bout pitted Mikoto against Tate, and Mai cheered for her small friend with all she had. Mai would never know whether it was the nutritious food or the enthusiastic cheering, but Mikoto was finally able to beat her sempai. The entire Fuka Academy middle school rushed the floor after her victory and hoisted the girl up onto their shoulders. This was the first time in Fuka's history that someone so young, and not to mention female, had taken the top spot.

Not wanting to intrude anymore on Mikoto's life, Mai decided it was time she made her exit and returned to Nagano. She needed to be with her brother for what little time he had left. As she was nearing the exit, she noticed Shizuru and Natsuki, along with an unknown adult male, making their way toward her. Mai suddenly remembered that she had Shizuru's very expensive cell phone in her purse and waved the couple down.

"Shizuru-san! I'm glad I ran into you here. I'm planning to head back to Kyoto to return my rental car, and I just remembered that I have your cell phone in my purse. I also thought I should ask you whether you'd like a ride back."

Shizuru smiled at Mai, but she politely declined the girl's offer of a ride, "As you can see Tokiha-san, Natsuki and I have acquired a chaperone since you last saw us," Shizuru glared at the middle-aged man. "When I called my mother last night to let her know where I was, she very kindly sent her personal assistant, Mr. Takahashi, down on the next flight to Fuka to escort me home. I have attempted to explain to him that I'd prefer to remain here, but he insists that I fly back with him this afternoon."

"Oh, wow! I'm sorry, Shizuru-san," Mai was embarrassed that her actions had caused the Fujino family so much worry and annoyance. "Um, well if you all want to follow me to my car I can get your cell phone for you."

"That would be appreciated, Tokiha-san."

Once they reached the rental vehicle, Mai rooted around in the trunk until she found her purse. The redhead was about to open it when a dark haired blur latched itself onto her midsection. Mai's purse went flying from her hands and was caught by Shizuru.

"Mikoto!" said a surprised Mai. "What are you doing?"

"Is Mai leaving so soon? " whimpered the spiky haired brunette with tears in her eyes.

"Uh sorry, Shizuru-san, your phone's in there. You can look through my purse while I talk to Mikoto," said Mai to the Kyoto native. Looking down at the new kendo champion, Mai explained, "Mikoto, I need to get home to see my brother. He's very sick and I need to take care of him. I promise you, one day we'll see each other again, ok?"

Mikoto's braids shook as she nodded fervently in agreement, and her yellow eyes looked into Mai's with an intensity she'd seen many times before. However, the next action was unlike anything Mai had ever experienced before with the younger girl: Mikoto took Mai's face in her hands and brought it down to her own for a sweet kiss. The meeting of their lips was so brief that the redhead barely had time to register it before the brunette took off running. Mai stared after her a moment with tingling lips, when Natsuki's amused voice broke through the shocked silence.

"Damn Tokiha, don't you think you're robbing the cradle!?"

"S..she kissed m..me!" stammered the now embarrassed redhead.

Shizuru stepped between the two girls and chided her girlfriend, "Now, now Nat-su-ki-chan, Mikoto-chan is only a year younger than Tokiha-san, much like you are only a year younger than me."

"Whoa, I can't think about this right now. Let's move on and try to forget what just happened here."

The Kyoto beauty frowned at Mai, "I don't think Mikoto-chan will be forgetting what happened here anytime soon, so I suggest you not try to. It will only hurt your friendship if you ignore her feelings."

Running her fingers through her hair, Mai knew that Shizuru was only trying to be kind, but man, was it annoying her! If the redhead had her way, then this situation would never have happened, and she'd be back in her reality where Mikoto would never try to kiss her.

"Did you find your cell phone?" asked Mai in an attempt to change the subject.

"Yes, I did. Thank you for keeping it safe," smiled the crimson-eyed girl. "I would also like to thank you for giving me an idea on how I may stay here longer."

"Huh?" questioned an utterly confused Mai.

Turning toward her chaperone, "Takahashi-san, you will drive Tokiha-san back to Kyoto in her rental vehicle. Once there, you will buy her a train ticket to Nagano and then return her car to the rental agency. After these tasks have been completed, you may then report to my mother."

Takahashi's face turned purple with anger, "No, Fujino-sama. I have been given strict orders to return with you by plane this afternoon."

Shizuru ignored his comment and faced Mai once again, "Tokiha-san, once you awaken, I ask that you keep Takahashi-san to this plan and don't allow him to return to Fuka. If he attempts to return here, then I ask that you somehow draw the attention of the police and tell them that he has kidnapped you. I ask this as favor, in return for what I have gone through for you."

"Awaken? What are you talking about, Shizuru-san?" asked a completely baffled Mai, as Shizuru wrapped her arms around her in a hug.

Suddenly a sharp, yet familiar prick was felt by Mai in her posterior. The last sedative needle! Shizuru must have found it in her purse while she searched for her cell phone.

"Damn it, not again!" Mai silently raged as she fell into unconsciousness.

"Mr. Takahashi, I suggest you put this young lady in the vehicle and drive her back to Kyoto. If you do not, I will call the police and tell them that you drugged the poor girl with the intention of kidnapping. Natsuki here will back up my story, and I assure you, so will Tokiha-san once she awakens."

The Fujino Corps lackey bowed deeply to Shizuru and then hastily hefted Mai into the back seat of the car. He assured his bosses' daughter that he would get the young redhead back to Kyoto and make sure she was put on a train for Nagano.

"Don't forget to return the rental vehicle as well, " as cheeky Natsuki chimed in, emerald eyes flashing with delight.

***********************************************

Omake:

Nao: Oi, crappy author! Since my wish didn't come true, who's going to change reality back for Miss Giant TaTa's. Are you bringing that crazy alcoholic, Midori, into the story?

Midori: Yay! I'm going's to be in the shtory *hiccup*

Kuma Kuma: Uh, actually you're not, Midori-san. Sorry!

Midori: But I's need to make da wishy *hiccup* to shave Takumi! *hic* There's nobody elsh left! *stumbles over her feet*

Nao: She's right, crap-for-brains, and you promised to end the story in the next chapter.

Kuma Kuma: Trust me, I have a plan. I want this story to end as much as the next person. Can you believe I originally thought this would be a 3-chapter story?

Nao: You're not so bright, so yeah, I can believe it.

Midori: Don't be sho mean Nao-chan... Uh oh... I don't feel so... *BARF!*

Nao: Ugh, I'm outta here.

Kuma Kuma: Oh my god, is that a shoe?!

Midori: Ha, I thought I dreamt eating that.