(Well, quite a bit happens in this one, and thank you all who are bothering to read this. As for the delay, sorry. Life just isn't giving me the inspiration that it was before, but I fully intend on finishing the stories that I'm currently working on. There will be more after the chapter, and I ask that you read it before you give me any negative reviews about what happens in this chapter. Anyway, enjoy, and please read the note after the chap.)

Chapter 9

After that, Shizuku and I made love two more times, the length of the love making increasing with each session, and after three times my shaft is sore and hurting, and Shizuku seems satisfied, collapsing on top of me, our naked bodies covered in sweat and other fluids. Somehow I manage to pull her blanket on top of us rather then disturb her.

Scene Transition

The next morning I wake up to the feeling of something moving against my skin, and I open my eyes to a big nose full of Shizuku's hair. Exhaling loudly her hair blows away from my nostrils, and she opens her eyes, her eyes awake and not at all sleepy as her right hand slowly travels up my side.

"Awake now darling?" Shizuku whispers and I look into her eyes, smiling at her as best I can.

"Yeah, are you feeling OK?" I ask with concern in my voice, knowing that the first time can be a LOT harder on the woman then the man.

She smiles at my concern, her hand coming to my chin and gently tracing my lips with her finger.

"I'm fine." She assures me, a sultry look coming to her face. "What about you, did you enjoy last night?" She asks in a knowing tone.

"Yeah, it was great."

"Just great?" She asks playfully. "The way you were moaning last night…" She trails, and I can feel my face heat up in embarrassment.

"Last night was incredible."

She smiles, clearly happy at my reaction.

"You're cute lover, so easy to tease…"

"So long as it's you…"

Shizuku opens her mouth to say something when a piercing beeping noise shatters the mood, both of us practically jumping through the moon in surprise at the noise. In a split second both Shizuku and I recognize the noise, and I reach out, looking toward the alarm on the dresser and slapping at the clock until I find the button. Once I manage to turn the alarm off Shizuku sighs in resignation before she pushes up with her arms, taking the blanket up with her and giving me a good view of her ample bosom.

"Lover…I can feel something poking me in the stomach…" She says with a playful wink, and again my face heats up.

"We should get a shower, and we'll have to change the sheets on your bed after we get back from school." I quickly change the subject, and Shizuku giggles at my discomfort.

"We might have to change the sheets nightly then…"

My face turns beet red at the implication.

"Shower! Must shower!"

Scene Transition

Fortunately nothing else happens after that, and we're both able to go through what is rapidly becoming our morning routine. We shower together, and after last night I'm not as worked up about being so close to Shizuku. Shizuku makes breakfast, and the boxed lunches we'll be eating later, even though I volunteered to make lunch, Shizuku insisted.

Sighing lightly Shizuku and I walk hand in hand to school. Even in her Kampfer form Shizuku still looks relatively normal. Thinking about her being in her Kampfer form I can't help but grin at the thought that both Akane and Mikoto will both not be in school today, saving me the trouble of having to deal with either of them.

Walking down the street in comfortable silence like every other day a part of me wonders whether or not last night even happened. It all seems almost like a dream, a very vivid dream, but a dream nonetheless.

Plus the sheets were messed up this morning, not to mention that you woke up naked next to her. You lost your virginity last night, and if you're smart you'll keep that fact locked in a safe inside a bank vault that's buried near the center of the earth. If it gets out that you had sex with Shizuku her groupies really will crucify you and probably skin you alive while they butt fuck your corpse just for good measure.

The thought sends a chill down my spine, and Shizuku's grip on my hand tightens ever so slightly.

"Is something wrong lover?" Shizuku asks in a concerned voice.

"No, not really…" I answer her, shaking my head. "Though I do think it would be best if we keep what happened last night between us. If your groupies find out about what we did…"

"I'll flay them."

At that I can't help but look at her face, and the look she now wears is deadly serious. Looking at her face I get the distinct feeling that she means every word.

"You'd really kill them?" I whisper, and she nods grimly.

"If they killed you then I wouldn't hesitate."

"Wow…"

After that we don't really talk, content to simply hold hands as we walk to school. Eventually Seitetsu appears in the distance, and with it come other students.

"Is that Madam President?" One of the female students asks as we walk by.

"Sango-onee-sama died her hair?" Another mutters as we pass.

Glancing around I can see the other students looking at the two of us. After the initial 'shock' to the other students that Shizuku would actually date me the rest of the student body (save Shizuku's groupies) moved on to other topics and stopped reacting at the sight of Shizuku and me together in public. Now though with Shizuku's 'new' appearance she's attracting all sorts of attention with her choice of hair dye.

Arriving at the entrance to the girl's side Shizuku and I stop, holding each other's hands we look into each other's eyes, and I smile at my girlfriend.

"You sure you wanna go to school like that?" I ask in a low voice, careful to keep my voice neutral. "It's fine if you're embarrassed."

She shakes her head slowly, smiling happily.

"I wouldn't miss this time for anything." She says with a smile. "It isn't long until the dance, and we don't know what's going to happen there, so I want to spend as much time with you as I can."

"Oh…"

"Plus, with Kondo-san and Mishima-san home I don't have to worry about them trying to sabotage our relationship."

"Well, I'll see you at lunch then Shizu-chan."

The two of kiss a parting kiss, my hands leaving hers as I walk toward the boy's side, waving happily toward her while Shizuku returns the wave.

Scene Transition

Homeroom and morning classes go by peacefully, and I relish the tedium of our day to day student lives. With the Turnabout Dance looming in the future and the way that white Kampfer spoke about the dance, something is supposed to happen there, but for the life of me I can't figure out what might it be.

"Seno, answer the question." The teacher's voice cuts through my daze, and I blink in surprise.

"Eh… Ah…Yes, sir."

A chuckle reverberates through the rest of the class, and I quickly pick up my book, finding the question the teacher is talking about.

What a way to start the day…

Scene Transition

The bell for the morning break rings, and I sit back in my seat, sighing heavily. Sitting there I want nothing but the break to go by quickly and without incident. Sitting there with the knowledge that I've slept with one of the school's beauties, someone who is 'out of my league' I can't help but wonder how long it's going to be until I'm lynched.

Hell, I think if…when it gets out that I'm sleeping with Shizuku I think getting off with just a lynching will be a blessing. If her groupies got their hands on me then they'll probably cut my balls off with a rusty knife…

A shiver runs down my spine at the thought.

"Yo Natsuru, you got another visitor." Higashida's voice enters my ears.

"Madam President?" I ask curiously, and my friend shakes his head no.

"Nope." He says while motioning over his left shoulder toward the door at the front of the room.

If it isn't Shizuku, and Akane and Mikoto are both staying home, then that means…

A sudden premonition comes over me at who could be standing outside of that door, and when my bracelet begins to glow, my left hand snaps over it, panic flooding into my system.

Oh shit, oh shit, oh SHIT!

"You all right Natsuru?" Higashida asks as I stand up, my chair clattering to the floor as I run for the door at the rear of the classroom.

"Bathroom!" I blurt out, my right hand finding the door knob and sliding the door open, my left hand clamped to the bracelet all the while.

I run to the right, a trail of fire behind me as I make a beeline for the bathroom, not knowing anywhere else I can possibly go to hide.

By the time I make it to a stall the bracelet's light has gotten brighter and brighter with each passing second, until it finally happens.

The bracelet shines and my body changes, the light consuming my form, and when it fades I'm once again back in my Kampfer form, looking down at my chest and my changed uniform.

"Oh no…" My female voice simpers in terror, staring down at the bracelet on my wrist.

As if I can't feel any more terror, the door to the bathroom opens, and my mouth goes dry.

Hide! Climb on the toilet!

I quickly scale the john, standing on top of it and hunching down, trying to keep my presence in the bathroom. With adrenaline pounding through my system my senses are on high as footsteps echo against the floor.

CLOP, CLOP, CLOP…

The steps are slow and deliberate, the sound echoing in my ears as my heart pounds in my chest.

Oh please, don't let them open this stall, oh please, don't let them find me, I'm not here…

Closing my eyes I hunch myself down, balling myself into the fetal position and trying to make myself as small and unimposing as possible.

Clop, clop, clop…

The footsteps stop directly in front of the stall, and I open one eye to see a pair of feet standing directly in front of the stall. Fortunately in my blind panic I managed to lock door, but if the mysterious walker outside the door is a Kampfer then a simple door lock won't do a damn thing.

Maybe it's a new red Kampfer. Could Sakura-san have chosen another red to try and get the battles going again?

"Natsuru-san, I know you're in there." Sakura's voice wafts over the door.

Oh shit…

I clench my right hand into a fist, closing my eyes I concentrate, trying to change back into my male form.

Why can't I change? I'm supposed to be able to change at will! Is it Sakura-san? Is it because she's doing this to me?

"Natsuru-san…please open the door."

"Wha…What do you want from me Sakura-san?"

"Please open the door Natsuru-san. I'd like to speak to you face to face. I promise that nothing bad is going to happen."

"I consider you hypnotizing me and turning me against my friends a bad thing, Sakura-san." I counter dryly.

"I'm not going to hypnotize you Natsuru-san. I can't."

So, she isn't playing amnesia anymore?

Stepping down carefully I slowly slide the latch back, opening the door a crack. Peeking out through the crack Sakura stands there with her arms crossed over her chest, a stern expression on her face.

"What do you want? Why were you acting like you didn't know anything about what's happening?"

"Open the door and step out and I'll tell you."

Closing the door I put my back to it, my mind churning while my breath comes in short, panicked gasps.

"This is really getting tiring Natsuru-san. I don't like talking to a door."

"If you do something to me Shizuku will never forgive you." I impotently threaten Sakura.

"I'm not afraid of Shizuku." Sakura answers the threat. "However if you don't open this door then I am going to get angry…"

Sighing heavily I make a decision. Turning around I open the door fully, taking in Sakura still standing in front of the door, her arms still crossed beneath her ample bosom. She smiles angelically at seeing me, and I feel a momentary sense of happiness at seeing that smile, but I quickly squelch it. Looking away from Sakura's face I step out into the bathroom, walking three steps out of the stall and past her, my right shoulder facing her while I intentionally don't make eye contact with her.

"So, why are you pretending to have amnesia? It's clear that you remember everything you've done, so why the act?"

"You want the truth?"

"Of course I want the truth."

"The truth is that part of me doesn't know anything about Kampfers and the conflict. That person is truly ignorant of everything, blissfully innocent. When this plan was conceived it was decided that the moderator of the conflict would have to blend in to the surrounding populace as much as possible. To that end the others implanted the knowledge and ability into this body and I was created."

Others?

"Others? You're saying that there are other moderators out there, running more of these proxy wars?"

Out of the corner of my eye Sakura smirks, uncrossing her arms she steps toward me. Facing her I raise my hand, calling on my zauber with my palm toward the ceiling, but nothing happens.

What?

"In this moment, you are as you are meant to be, Natsuru." Sakura whispers, somehow knowing that I was trying to use my power against her. "You're nothing more than a normal woman."

She steps within arms reach, and she reaches out. I try to move, but my body won't respond as her fingers grace my cheeks, her smile both serene and predatory.

"What do you want?" I ask again, my female voice quivering in fear.

"Isn't that obvious?" She whispers, her breath blowing across my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. "I want you Natsuru." She continues as her left hand slowly slides down my cheek, to my neck. "Your gorgeous skin…" She whispers in a throaty purr. "Your beautiful breasts…" Her hand traces the outline of chest. "All of you…"

In that moment I remember the night before, Shizuku and I making love, her passion filled moans filling the room.

"I love you Natsuru…" Her voice is clear as day, like she's standing right next to me.

"Get away from me!" I cry out, thrusting my arms forward with sudden strength I didn't even know I have.

Sakura stumbles backward, clearly surprised by my outburst, her smile gone, replaced by a look of shock and surprise.

"Wha…?" She whispers, looking me up and down, I refuse to make eye contact with her.

"Don't touch me!" I growl, holding my own hands to my chest, tears in my eyes at the thought of being somehow violated by Sakura.

When she speaks again, her voice is no longer sweet and gentle whisper, not an once of familiarity remains.

"You've slept with her haven't you!" Sakura growls in accusation. "You let her have your body when you know it belongs to ME!"

Not too long ago I'd have been thrilled to hear her say something like that, but now…

"I slept with her, my real self slept with her!" I shoot back, anger building in my system that the wench standing before me would dare try to claim me like I'm nothing but a piece of property. "Shizuku and I are in love, and you need to get out of my life! I despise you! I hate you! I wish I'd never met you!"

The indignation drains from her face, replaced by shock and fear.

"Natsuru…" Her voice breaks, her shoulders trembling.

"Get away from me Kaede!" I growl in contempt, spitting her name like it's poison. "I don't want to see you again! EVER!"

Her hands drop, and she steps back like she's been hit in the gut. Her head drops, her bangs covering her eyes.

She sobs in sadness, the emotion crashing over her like a wave. A tear falls from her cheek. That tear is soon followed by many more.

"Nat-su-ru…" She sobs my name, her hands coming up to wipe at her eyes. "How can you do this? How can you say those things? Why don't you remember…?" Her voice fraught with despair and anguish.

Remember? What is she talking about?

"Remember? Remember what! I remember every DAMN THING! That time at the pool! The time I came over to your house! The way you teased me when I attended school as a girl! I remember all of it!" I scream in righteous anger.

"No…" She whimpers, shaking her head and sobbing into her hands. "We were lovers…"

"What are you talking about! You and I have never even shared the same bed!"

She shakes her head, sobbing into her hands in a sorrowful wail.

"Before…on our home, we were lovers… Why can't you remember?"

"…What…?" I breathless whisper, barely aware that I've even spoken.

Is she saying that I'm like her? Am I a moderator meant to continue this war, no matter the price?

It's then that the bathroom door flies open, revealing the same woman who spoke to me in shed, distracted me while the rest of her band fought against Shizuku and the others.

Yamakawa Ryoka…

"Sakura-sama!" Ryoka cries out, standing in the doorway and staring down at her master, seeing Sakura on her knees and bawling her eyes out.

Quick, run!

Without a second thought I take off, barreling into the white Kampfer in the doorway and pushing her aside, making an immediate left I run down the hall as fast my legs will carry me.

"What? Wait!" Ryoka calls out but I ignore her cry, my only thoughts solely focused on running, and putting as much distance between Sakura Kaede and me as humanly possible.

Scene Transition

"Playing hooky huh?" A familiar voice disrupts my delirium.

Blinking in surprise I remember where I am and what happened. I ran from Sakura, her revelation that I might be more than just a normal high school student who has the unfortunate luck of being chosen as Kampfer weighing heavily on my mind. I ran from the school, ditching my afternoon classes and just running, finding a dark alley in the shopping district and just collapsing in it, barely remembering to transform back into my male self before I just closed my eyes and tried not to think.

Now though…

Looking down at my watch, its well into the afternoon, and looking up at Shizuku's face I can see relief on her features. She's dressed in a dark purple blouse and mini skirt, the inside of her hair still shimmering silver, a dead giveaway that she is still unable to change back into her normal form.

"What happened to you?" Shizuku continues, offering me her hand to help me up. "You never showed up at lunch and I heard from a student that the female Natsuru was seen jumping the fence and leaving campus right after the morning break."

"Sakura came to visit me during the break." I mumble, staring down at the ground, my knees at my chest, and my arms around my legs.

Seeing me make no move to take her hand Shizuku steps in front of me, kneeling down to look me in the eye, her gaze filled with concern and more than a little worry.

"Natsuru, what did she say? Did she try to hypnotize you again?"

"I wish…" I mutter sarcastically, shaking my head slowly.

"What then? Please Natsuru, tell me. I've never seen you like this" She insists, pleading with me.

Because I've never questioned whether or not I'm anything more than just a normal high school guy before this.

"She said that she and I were lovers." I answer hollowly, not meeting Shizuku's gaze. "She said that she and I were put here to make sure this proxy war gets fought, and asked why I couldn't remember how I felt toward her."

Shizuku is quiet for a long moment as she kneels in front of me. She reaches out, grasping my right shoulder with her left hand, her right hand cupping my chin and turning my gaze toward her face, her eyes filled with contempt and rage.

"And you believed her?" Shizuku asks me with venom in her voice, her words like a slap in the face. "You think that anything she tells you is the truth? She manipulated you Natsuru; she tried to turn you against your friends for her own selfish ambition. You can't trust her, and anything she tells you is a lie."

"I…" I mutter, the words lost in my throat.

You weren't there Shizuku. You couldn't see the sincerity in her eyes, the sadness in her voice.

"Come on Natsuru, let's go." Shizuku says, standing up and offering her hand once more.

In my current condition, I just do as I'm told. Reaching out I take her, Shizuku leads me to my feet, relief seeping into her posture as she starts for the mouth of the alley, pulling me along with her.

(I just want to say that I have not read any of the light novels or seen any of the 'official' plot of Kampfer beyond what was covered in the anime. Having said that I do have a direction I want this to go in, and I've started alluding to that here. If you don't like that, I'm sorry, but I think it'll be an enjoyable ride.)