The Last Lycan

Set in an old, enchanted world, a young mage stumbles upon a reclusive Lycan, who has lost her powers of transformation. The Lycan distrusts humans because of its past and thus, the mage finds herself thrown into the topmost tower as a prisoner for trespassing.

A/N: Alright guys, no more M chapters for the next few subsequent chapters, I don't think I'm adept enough to pull it off. As promised, plot advancement in the following chapters before anything happens between the two again. Also, thanks so much for your PMs and reviews; I'll get down to responding to PMs as soon as possible!

Chapter 9

Italics – Thoughts

Approximately two months later

"Ara," Shizuru murmurs to herself, spotting the book that she was looking for at the topmost ledge of the bookshelf. Natsuki had generously made the piece of furniture for her, so that she could fill it with her favorite books from the castle's library. It was crafted from the pine trees that surrounded the castle and saved her the journey of walking to the next wing to access the library. It was sitting in their room, right beside the small corner with the armchair. Shizuru loved it, and her considerate beau for thinking of it. And yes, it was now their shared room.

However, right now, she was gazing at the highest shelf, a finger to her chin, knowing that she'll probably have no way of reaching it standing on the ground. Natsuki seemed to have absent mindedly forgotten about her height; not that she blamed her sweetheart, of course; but it did make retrieval that much harder.

She tugged the heavy armchair closer to the shelf, removing her flats and bunched up her long dress with a hand. Stepping on the plush cushion seat tentatively, she slowly gains her bearing but the book was just a short way from her grasp. Swaying, she steadies herself before tip-toeing, a small smile creeping up her lips as she felt her fingers brushing the spine of the book. Just a little more!

The gasp barely had time to leave her lips as she felt her balance give way, her footing lost and she braced herself for the impact that was about to come. Her wrist rammed into something hard – not particularly hard as she would have expected the ground to be, but more of a bolstered firmness. It hadn't hurt. But her shoulder was a slightly different story.

"Owww," came Natsuki's groan.

Shizuru's eyes peeled open and she gaped at the lycan that had fallen haphazardly beneath her. "Natsuki! I am so sorry!"

"It's alright, Shizuru," Natsuki gave her a weak grin, but immediately started nursing her injured jaw when she did. "I'm fine!" she nods her head quickly trying to reassure the brunette who was frantically worried.

Shizuru's eyes widened when she saw a dribble of blood from Natsuki's lips, "Natsuki! You're bleeding! How is that alright? Come!" She rushes to stand and pull Natsuki along with her to the bed. She was unable to, however, as Natsuki had held onto her hand firmly.

"I'm fine, Zuru," Natsuki replies softly, her eyes meeting Shizuru's to reassure her.

Those soft, persuading green orbs. Ah! Shizuru relented. She allows herself to be pulled into Natsuki's arms. "Silly Natsuki, do not do that again," Shizuru chides her lovingly, pressing a finger lightly on Natsuki's nose as she leans on her. "You gave me such a fright." She pulls out a small cotton hankie from her dress' pocket and dabs the blood away gently.

"Ah..ahah.." Natsuki shrugs sheepishly, "I guess I should have thought about your reach when I made that."

"Natsuki was very considerate. It is not fault of hers."

Natsuki sighs, wrapping her arms around Shizuru's waist and pulling the girl closer to her. "So much for trying to be suave while trying to save you from a nasty fall."

Shizuru quirks her eyebrow, "Ara, Natsuki wishes to rescue damsels in distress?"

"Not damsels, Shizuru. Damsel. My damsel," she chuckles mischievously.

A smile creeps up Shizuru's lips. Natsuki had started to get much more comfortable when they were together and seemed to get a hang of Shizuru's infamous teases, now to the extent of wielding teases against her. Shizuru expels a short sigh, picking up her book, "Ara ara. Let's head downstairs, my Prince Charming." They leave the room and walked down the halls. "Also, Natsuki, I have wished to ask you something for a while," Shizuru murmurs thoughtfully.

Natsuki stops in mid-stride, cocking her head in mild surprise as Shizuru walks ahead, "You can ask me anything, anytime Shizuru."

"Ara, I see," Shizuru cast her gaze upwards, a few seconds deep in thought. "In that case, how does one raise wolf children?" There was a long period of silence. Shizuru frowns, wondering if she had left Natsuki behind while thinking and quickly turns around. "Natsuki?" she calls for the figure that was standing extremely still a few feet away.

"Shi-shizuru? Wol-wolf children?" Natsuki felt as though all the breath had been sucked out of her. She was going to be a parent? What if she wasn't good enough? Would she be able to take good care of them?

"Mmhmm, like Natsuki, when she was younger. How do they behave?" Shizuru raises a brow when she walks back and sees that Natsuki's viridian eyes had gone wide, her jaw had dropped open and her eyes distant.

The wolf picks up her hands, "Shizuru, are you..?" She glances down at Shizuru's belly and up again to meet her mate's blood red gaze.

"Natsuki, one does not answer a question with a question," she holds back a smirk at her obviously nervous lover. Shizuru wasn't exactly certain herself as it had barely been two months since their last romp, but she was always one to be prepared. "Now tell me, how does one raise wolf children? Are they any different from human children?

Natsuki scratches the back of her head. She knows she'd not get any answers from Shizuru till her questions were answered. "Uhm, mothers don't give birth to a litter like wolves, but more like humans," scratching her chin as she recalls her playmates she had in the past. None of the families usually had more than a child, in the rare exception when they were twins. "Also, when we're younger, we can't really control our transformation yet, so sometimes our ears or tails might spring out of the blue and such. Other than that, I don't particularly think so. Does that answer your question, Shizuru?" she adds on quickly, eagerly.

Shizuru places a finger on her chin, tapping it lightly as she watched Natsuki from the corner of her eye. Though she looked like she was waiting patiently for Shizuru's reply, the dead giveaway was that the wolf's tail was wagging indiscriminately and her deep green eyes were watching her expectantly. Her smile turns up as she realized how eager Natsuki was to be a parent.

"Shizuru?" Natsuki prompts, seeing that her girlfriend had a very far-off and thoughtful look on her face. "So.. so, are you.. are you pregnant?"

"Natsuki, it's rather early to tell, but.."

"Who's pregnant?!" a surprised voice cuts into the conversation and both turn to find the perplexed gaze from the owner of lime-green eyes.

"Shit," Natsuki curses under her breath. In her eagerness to find out Shizuru's condition, she hadn't heard Nao at all. She was not done with being teased by her for about being a big bad wolf that loved to cuddle and get read storybooks to. And now this. Oh. She'd never hear the end of it..

Nao circles the both of them, curiosity and mischief shining in her eyes, having heard their conversation and the puzzle was finally complete. "You got laid! Big time! That's why you've been walking around the past month with that stupid grin on your damn face!" Her wicked grin widens when Natsuki doesn't respond and she starts cackling in glee. "Damn! I should have seen the signs! This is too rich! I can't wait to tell Mai! So tell me, what was it like? Huh? Huh?" she starts to nudge Natsuki with her elbow.

Natsuki swats Nao's arms away and grabs Shizuru's hand, stalking off to their original destination but the persistent redhead skips happily after them, dying to inform her mothers and sister of the juiciest bit of news she had just eavesdropped on.

The rest of the family was gathered around the fireplace, enjoying the final bit of warmth it provided before spring arrived when the trio ambled into the den. They had spent much of the winter like this, reclining in the plush cushions and in general, lazing the frosty nights away. This year's mining trips was especially fruitful, as Shizuru's arcane manipulation had dislodged some rather tricky blockades and they had uncovered a hidden vein of gems. She had started to perfect her control of the arts, learning how to channel the energy into a weapon that everyone had helped in forging for her. Shizuru and Amber had went through hours of studying in the library to find a suitable weapon type; Julia and Nao had went in search of retrieving the necessary ores to get a strong alloy; and lastly, Natsuki and Mai had used their forging skills in creating a thin, lightweight weapon that was renowned in the Far East. The blade, when charged with her magical abilities, now glowed a light violet that made her surge with pride whenever she wielded it and she was so fond of it that she brought it almost everywhere with her.

Today, Amber and Julia were resting against each other on the carpeted floors, one with a book in hand and the other just enjoying the peace. As for the younger redhead, she had staked her claim on the entire sofa, snoozing lightly. "Natsuki?" Amber glances up when the door was thrown open, awakening Mai. Her eyes roam across the new arrivals and settles on a grinning Nao and her senses hone in quickly on a rather flustered Natsuki.

"Guys! You know what! I.. mmhh.. ppfmmmf!" Nao was quickly silenced by a gruff arm across her mouth. She shoots Natsuki an annoyed look, struggling to get out of her friend's grip.

Julia and Amber exchange curious looks but Natsuki's ears suddenly prick at the sound of something tapping against the glass. Glad for the distraction, she drags Nao along, crossing the room without another word. "Oh.. Shizuru," she calls for her brunette, "It's for you."

"Ara, ara, what a surprise," Shizuru murmurs as she spots her family's falcon perched on the window ledge and offers her shoulder to the large bird. It settled nicely on her bunched up sleeves and Shizuru removed the small slip of paper that was tied around its feet. With Natsuki's blessing, she had earlier written to her parents about her whereabouts and explaining her current situation and was curious as to how they would respond. She figured that they would have also included their tentative return dates in this reply. She studies it and then glances up at Natsuki who had her head tilted slightly at Shizuru's expression.

"What is it, Shizuru? Something wrong?"

Shizuru shakes her head, "Nothing is wrong, Natsuki. Do not worry. It was just a message from my parents. They are two days away from home. I hope they are well, but then again, they've been on multiple trips so I do not foresee any issue at all," she sends a reassuring smile to the dark wolf even though she rather missed them.

Natsuki catches a hint of wistfulness in Shizuru's voice, one that was so subtle; it would have slipped by anyone. But she knew better. Shizuru had a knack of hiding her emotions but she did not want her love to have any regrets, especially with her parents. So she clears her throat, "You could always go and look for them, Shizuru." Shizuru immediately turns her head at Natsuki, her surprise well hidden but Natsuki picks up on it easily and comes to a decision quickly. "I mean, the town is a nasty place to be, isn't it? To have to hide and play pretend all the time. You could ask if.. if they want to stay here? Not as a prisoner, but .. you know.."

Now, that caught everyone else's attention. Amber cast a sideway glance at the surprised Julia, who was wondering if Natsuki got hit by a falling rock or something. The same thoughts were running through everyone's head. Did Natsuki just invite strangers to come and live in her castle?!

"Natsuki is very sweet for thinking for me, but I don't want this to be inconvenient," Shizuru replies softly, trusting her parents fully but she fully understood Natsuki's discomfort towards strangers.

"It wouldn't be. I trust you Shizuru. And by association, I trust those who have raised you. I don't want you to be split between two worlds," Natsuki answers honestly.

Shizuru opens her mouth to argue but was silenced when Amber, realizing Natsuki's true intent, adds on smoothly, "I'd have to say, I agree with Natsuki. Wholeheartedly, in fact. I'm sure everyone would welcome your folks with open arms." She glances across the room and was pleased to find all heads nodding in assent, excluding Nao who was still busy trying to wrestle her way out of Natsuki's death grip.

"I mean it, Shizuru," Natsuki ignores the flailing redhead and silently thanks her aunt before locking eyes with Shizuru, seriousness in her emerald irises. "Go home and look for them. But.. also, if it makes you happy, you could always head back there to stay. I.. I don't want to keep you here against your will."

"What?" Nao coughs out, having gotten her mouth free, a look of disbelief adorning her features. Shizuru was the best thing that had ever happened to her stupid cousin. And there was an off-chance she was gonna be the wolf pups aunt! Why the hell was Natsuki chasing her mate away?! "Are you nuts, Nats?" Nao decided to keep Shizuru's unconfirmed pregnancy to herself for now. They had more important things to deal with like Shizuru's possible departure and she had overhead enough to know that the pregnancy was just a big 'what-if'. She was tactless as hell, but even she knew when to stop, especially at this juncture. Even Amber, Julia and Mai who were still in the dark of Shizuru's possibly pregnancy were rather taken aback by Natsuki and they all had similar thoughts crossing their minds. Why the hell was she telling Shizuru to leave?

Natsuki growls lightly at Nao, missing the tender gaze the brunette was sending her. "Natsuki," Shizuru calls, her voice barely a whisper but Natsuki spun around anyway. "I will head home.." Shizuru looked determined, her expression steely.

A disappointed look immediately crosses Natsuki's face and her heart felt heavy when Shizuru trails off, but she nods. She gave Shizuru a choice and she was going to respect her opinion. And if it made her happy, there was no way Natsuki would stop her. She opens her mouth to reply, but was quickly silenced with a slim finger on her front muzzle.

"And I will ask my parents if they wish to stay here, with us. Yes or no, I shall return," Shizuru's somber demeanor was suddenly replaced with a playful smile, leaving Natsuki stumped. Firstly was the fact that Shizuru had referred to them as an entity, even if it seemed so insignificant to others, meant the world to her. She had someone whom she trusted and loved and it felt as though she was on top of the world. The second was that Shizuru was promising her to return.

Nao watches as Natsuki perks up from Shizuru's response. She knew what her friend was thinking and she hated to be the bearer of bad news, but someone had to knock some common sense in her dumb friend, "You're not thinking of going to the village with her, are you?"

Natsuki opens her mouth to retort, but quickly realizes Nao was right. She glances down at herself. She was a massive werewolf who would've raised multiple alarms if spotted. "I'm sorry Shizuru, I would love to, but.."

The sharp magus quickly notices that Natsuki's ears had fallen and immediately knows where her doubts lay. "Ara, Natsuki, I understand. I wouldn't want Natsuki to do anything that she's uncomfortable with. Besides, I can take care of myself," Shizuru reassures her gently, hands running along Natsuki's back, one that she knew relaxes the lycan thoroughly.

Natsuki blushes a little from Shizuru's attention in front of everyone and clears her throat, "Uh, you should start getting ready. I'll go pack some rations for your trip."

"Woah there," Julia grabs Natsuki by her shoulders, "We'll take care of that. You, on the other hand, belong there!" She spins Natsuki around and nudges her towards Shizuru who catches her lightly and smiles gratefully at Julia. Crimson meets lime and Shizuru mouths a small thank you to Nao for keeping their secret and the redhead nods in return. Shizuru then turns and leads Natsuki out of the room and upstairs to their bedroom.

The room now smelt of Shizuru, Natsuki notes as they stepped in. She walks over to the closet and starts to rummage through it, pulling out a long coat and a pair of boots and tosses it on the bed, "You'd need these, Shizuru. It's cold out and I don't want you falling ill." She starts pacing around the room, stopping at the crafted rack where Shizuru's naginata lay. She immediately whips her head around and points, only to meet the disapproving gaze of her mate. "Aww.. Zuru!"

"Natsuki.." Shizuru sighs, "I can't be bringing a weapon that large with me. I will be alright, please stop fretting." She crosses the room to where Natsuki was to talk to the wolf, but instead found herself being lifted in those strong arms. "Natsuki!" she giggles like a little girl as she gazes down on her love who was looking up at her warmly with those magnificent emeralds. She knows Natsuki was just being overly concerned and she appreciated it. "I love you," she says simply.

"I love you too, Shizuru," Natsuki replies softly. She presses her nose against Shizuru's, watching those carmine eyes swirl with emotions as Shizuru smiled at her confession. Shizuru's eyes never lied and she loved the way they looked right now.

Shizuru wraps her arms around Natsuki's neck, leaning her head against Natsuki's warmth. "I'll come home soon, Natsuki. I promise."

"I know you will, Shizuru. I trust you."

A knock interrupts their serene moment and Aunt Julia's voice was heard from the outside, "Sorry, but Shizuru should start to get moving while it's still daylight."

Natsuki grumbles but she knows Julia meant well, "Alright Aunt Julia, we're coming, we're coming! Give us five minutes!"

"I'll see you downstairs!" Julia's voice fades as she disappears down the hall.

Shizuru picks out an outfit and packs it in a small bag, "I'll just need these. I think I'll be able to make the journey in less than a week, before I come home to my Natsuki," she reassures her mate before leading her out the door. She casts a final glance at the room that she had been residing in for the past three months before shutting the door, already starting to miss it.

I'll be back soon, she reminds herself.

XXX

The midday sun was high in the sky by the time Shizuru had arrived at the edge of the woods, just a stone throw's away from her home. As winter was nearing its end, travelling became slightly easier and she made the journey in two days. She briefly recalls that just a few months before this, she had taken the most amazing adventure of her life, disappearing through the thickets and meeting Natsuki. She spots the wafting smoke coming from her chimney and starts towards it, eager to meet her parents again.

Opening the familiar picket gate, she steps into the compound that she once called home and follows the small pathway to the wooden doors. She could hear her parents conversing and she smiles when she hears her name. Pushing the door open softly, she peeks inside, to find that her father was in front of the fireplace, focusing on feeding the fire. Her mother's musical hum was heard from the kitchen, where she assumed that a pot of stew was now being prepared.

"Father," Shizuru begins and he swiveled his head. She could see his burgundy eyes light up at the sight of her and he beams widely.

"Shizuru!" he bellows, sweeping his baby girl up in his arms. "Oh my darling, how have you been? I was so worried when I didn't find you at home!"

Her mother had already scurried out of the kitchen when she hears her daughter's name being called and she playfully smacks her husband on his arm, "Aldred! Give me time with my little girl too!"

Shizuru giggles at her parents' antics as her father set her down. Elvira Viola quickly seizes the opportunity to squeeze the air out of her daughter and gush, "Oh Shizuru, you look so healthy and radiant, much more than I remembered you to be. You look absolutely stunning!"

"Ara, mother, father," Shizuru addresses her parents, "I have something that I wish to tell you."

The pair exchange glances and nod simultaneously. Shizuru was used to that, her parents' way of finishing each other's sentences and such. She ushers them to the couch and takes her seat on the carpeted floor. Her parents gaze expectantly at her and she bows her head, inhaling deeply, "That day after the both of you left, Tomoe came by our house."

Aldred frowns immediately at this and his furrowed brow only smoothened when Shizuru rubs his hand reassuringly, "She forced herself into our house and started to force herself on me. I had never felt more angered in my life, so I left. I ran for miles and miles only to come to a mysterious barrier in the deep forest. And would you believe, I've met the most beautiful lycan and her family."

Elvira tilts her head curiously, "Lycan? Lycanthropes? Those are rare creatures that shy from external contact. They seldom show their true form to anyone. How did you manage to find one and much less, live with one?" Her parents were educated enough to know that lycanthropes were not man-devouring monsters as myths had made them to be.

"Ara, this one is special, mother. Her clan was cursed by a shaman from far away and she is unable to revert to her human form." Aldred looks curiously at his daughter, sensing that she had much more to tell them. Shizuru notices this and continues smoothly, "I have been living under her care for the past months."

Aldred lets out a low whistle of surprise, "Woah, that must have been some adventure, Shizuru. I've read that they are amazing creatures once you get to know them. Loyal, trustworthy and powerful beings, they are."

Shizuru smiles; those were the exactly words to describe her Natsuki. "Father, about that.."

"Meeting the lycan?" Elvira's interest was piqued and her eyes were shimmering.

"Indeed mother. I've received the letter from our falcon telling me of your arrival home. I'm here to invite the both of you to stay in Natsuki's castle with me."

Elvira watches Shizuru shift in her seat and smirks at her daughter inwardly. Never in her life had she seen Shizuru so nervous. She was always such a steadfast and calming presence. Elvira could tell that Shizuru was really hoping her parents would agree to her request. She turns to Aldred and he nods, forming a silent consensus amongst themselves.

"Honestly, Shizuru dear," Elvira begins speaking for the both of them, mock seriousness on her features. She cast another glance at her husband, who was not so discreet at hiding his adoration for his only daughter. She chuckles, unwilling to keep her beloved daughter on edge any longer, "Honestly, Shizuru, we'd be more than happy to accompany you anywhere. We discussed this on our trip and we really don't have much regard for this town, nothing but silly people here, especially Tomoe Marguerite."

"Besides, there's nothing we'd love more than an adventure with you, Shizuru," her father adds on with a grin. "We know that living here and keeping everything under wraps has been tough on you, Shizuru. We were actually planning on moving away, but since you have found happiness with the lycan, your mother and I would support you wholeheartedly."

"Natsuki, my lycan's name is Natsuki," Shizuru leans her head on her mother's lap, taking in the comfort of having her parents around her again, "She is the most wonderful person I've met. Do you know, mother, that Natsuki taught me how to skate?"

Elvira Viola runs her hand through Shizuru's brown tresses lovingly, eager to meet the young lycan that seemed to bring her daughter so much joy, "Is that so? My, I recall you used to be afraid of the ice." She'd never seen her gushing like a little girl for such a long time. "Aldred," she calls for her husband, "Do you think..?"

"I think we can leave immediately, dearest," Aldred replies without waiting for her question to be asked, "We do have all our essentials packed from the last trip and I certainly have no issues with leaving the house behind. Let me get the bags," Aldred stands up, heading into his bedroom.

Shizuru's eyes brighten as she lifts her head up from her mother's soothing touch, "Ara, thank you mother, father."

Elvira waves her daughter off with a wide smile on her lips, "I understand that our travels have made it hard for you these past few years. I can tell that staying with Natsuki makes you happy and we really want the best for you."

Aldred soon re-emerges with two large bags across his shoulders and a small chest beside him. He rubs his hands together, "So Shizuru.. How far off are we from the castle?"

Shizuru puts a finger to her chin, "I used a spell to speed up movement, but.." she eyes the luggage, "I don't think we should use it to head back, considering the weight of everything we have. I believe four days would be adequate."

"We best be headed off then, I'll get some rations from the kitchen," Elvira hurries across the room and disappears.

Aldred was already by the door and he had fished out a key from his pocket, placing it on the windowsill. Elvira joins them outside soon after, a basket of food in hand. The family of three cast a final glance at the small hovel and bid a happy farewell to the house. Elvira and Aldred were anxious to meet the mysterious enigma that had managed to capture their elusive daughter's heart. As for Shizuru, she was just feeling wonderfully blessed that everything was going her way. In a matter of days, she would soon be reunited with Natsuki and her parents would be there along with her.

Unbeknownst to the trio, Tomoe peeks out from her hiding spot, her gray eyes gleaming in glee as soon as she spots Shizuru. She grabs her satchel of items, packed to the brim with necessities; one that was always ready whenever she stalked the brunette; and trails after her Goddess.