The Little Things Chapter 10

The Path of No Return: The Last Battle II

By: Seravy

Edited by: The one and only magnificent Kieli

NOTES:

This little embellishment is from Jigoku Shoujo. In this anime, people with grudges would find this website and type in their enemy's name. However, one could only find this website at exactly midnight and once the enemy's name has been accepted, this person will fall into hell. The price for this curse is falling into hell yourself after you die.

Bento – lunch box

Kanin (Kanin na) – 'sorry' in the Kyoto dialect

Ookini – Kyoto-ben for thank you

Gokigenyou – Good day. Very ojou-sama-san and formal type of greeting as one would have seen in "Maria-sama ga Miteru"

Onee-sama – older/elder sister. Also used to address older girls.

On an isolated path that led to a single destination, a large mansion sat apart from the rest of Fuuka Academy. Not many frequented this part of the campus but its existence was well known. After all, it was home to the elusive young director of this prodigious school known for its system of student self government. The manor itself stood with regal dignity, surrounded by an elaborate collection of flowers of every kind imaginable. Hydrangeas, roses, tulips, daffodils, forget-me-not were but a few scents one could catch in the air while passing by.

During this time of the year though, the field was simply an eyesore of dying brown. Bright and colourful petals, having lost its brilliance, wilted under the cold observation of the approaching winter winds. Some were already bald and bared, desperately clinging onto their last moments of life. It was the natural law of all things living. Of course, all this ugliness was hidden in the back garden of the manor. On the outside, the building sat masterfully within the death that surrounded it.

It was a piece of grand architecture, combining classical design with a touch of modernity. Large white stones defined its solid walls with natural brown shingles, tinged with red. Most notable were the towering grand windows that expanded across each floor. In one room, specifically on the second floor, a tea party was well under way, taking its usual course.

Early morning sunlight poured through the tall wide panels of glass, casting shadows and illuminating the red carpet that lay across the floor. Elaborate angular patterns were carved into the walls, shades of the windows' frames adding to its design.

Despite the fine craftsmanship that went into the walls, the room itself was empty except for a simple table just by those tall windows, covered by a clean white cloth. A fresh scent tinged with a heavy sweetness filled the air from the odd breakfast of tea and baked sweets. On opposite ends, information was being passed dispassionately but politely between the host and the invitee of the party. The sheer height of the room highlighted this exclusive gathering of two.

"The institution's capacity has returned to 76 percent. That number should increase to 85 percent in two weeks. However, we must account for those who have permanently departed, estimated to be at around 10 percent, and increase our advertising campaign during the rest of the school term and summer accordingly. There was a problem concerning tuition refund policies and we are currently in the process of addressing that issue."

Despite the factual content, the words were pleasing to the ear as the monotony was enriched by a calm fluid voice with an elegant accent from the heart of traditional Japan.

The only audience of this flowing speech took a glance at the long list of numbers within the folder resting upon her motionless lap. The amount spent on notices and advertising was astounding but she made no mention of it.

"Thank you, Fujino-san," she replied. Even though her voice was soft with an evident touch of fragility and breathlessness, one couldn't help but also note the steady calmness textured just beneath. Most would consider this young girl an unsuitable candidate for her position, judging solely by her soft and childish face but if one looked closely into those sky blue eyes, they would see a hardened maturity paralleled by few. It was this that defined Kazahana Mashiro.

With First District in ruins and their purpose permanently annihilated, her remaining role in this world was simply director of Fuuka Academy. It was her responsibility to make the best decisions for the academy, which always meant following the advice of the young woman before her. She was free to disagree of course, and Fujino Shizuru would always politely accept her final judgments with a smile. After all, the results always spoke for themselves. Even the board of directors knew better than to challenge her on issues of importance, a lesson that they had all learned early on.

A few short knocks interrupted the meeting as her maid returned to refill their cups with freshly brewed black tea. Mashiro took this opportunity to compliment the delicious scones while their guest praised the tea's wonderful aroma. Fumi beamed proudly before leaving the room once again.

Now that trivial matters were addressed, Mashiro decided to move onto the true purpose of this meeting. She reached to her right where a small stack of paper had been set aside, sliding it to the centre of the table.

Shizuru acknowledged its presence by glancing up from her cup of tea.

"Here are the new terms of our agreement," explained Mashiro, the silence around them buzzing loudly, "With or without this though, you are welcome to stay to pursue whatever interests you may have."

"Ookini," answered the council president, hands poised around the declining warmth of her cup, "I will consider it."

Mashiro studied the young woman before her who made no move to even touch the contract. This was a serious and grave decision with only one possible answer. Yet, she sensed ambiguity, gently coated with detached calm. It troubled her that someone so young could hide herself so well.

From the windows, strong beams of sunlight continued to pour in. The council president's complexion seemed to almost disappear within the translucent brilliance. As Shizuru stood up, thanking her for tea, the shadows played strongly over her tall nose and especially her cheeks. Mashiro couldn't help but look away.

"I'm sorry for what had happened," broke in the director, "It wasn't your fault."

Mashiro paused before continuing. She didn't know how else to verbalize her intentions except through a tired phrase. It wasn't one of customary mourning though for she meant every word.

"If there is anything that I can do, please don't hesitate."

The council president replied with absolute stillness, silence once again devouring this meeting. In the past, despite the underlying meanings and constant verbal sparring, their conversations always flowed with polite civility. With that simple offer, it had uprooted the very foundations which this four year partnership was built upon.

"I have one question," said Shizuru, resuming her seat. She knew it was only a matter of time, considering the director's vigilance at their recent meetings.

"By all means," welcomed Mashiro solemnly. Oddly, she felt a sense of determination building inside of her, feeling the liberty within this opportunity.

"To what extent was the star responsible for our actions?"

"You were all victims in the Obsidian Lord's sche--"

"That was not what I asked," interrupted Shizuru. It was rude but she simply could not approve of the inappropriate usage of 'victims'. If she had wanted a pretty explanation, she could have concocted one even prettier and better herself. She wanted the truth. Not because she preferred it though… Of all people, the director herself should know better.

Immediately realizing her mistake, Mashiro sighed. Her eyes felt heavy as she closed them in thought. When she opened them again, she met Shizuru's gaze directly.

"Fear," she replied. To others, it may be a simple word but to someone who understood it, it was a lethal weapon, a fatal weakness, or in this case, the answer.

However, as if still awaiting her response, the council president continued to hold her gaze, a hint of challenge seeping through.

"Please do not underestimate fear," injected Mashiro, her voice stern and accusatory despite its airy quality, feeling the hotness that was rising within her chest. "The premise of the festival was made upon fear itself. This is the reason why the same tragedy repeated itself every three hundred years. It wasn't because the girls who were forced to participate in this twisted game were weak…It was because they loved."

Immediately, Mashiro caught a flicker within those unreadable deep claret eyes. It was only for a moment but it was there, making her righteous words cold and harsh. The anger that she had felt dissipated, replaced by the familiar fatigue that had plagued her since the day the festival of her era ended. Who cares how fear worked? Who cares about what happened? This was the present and she wanted to give the young woman before her what she herself never got… something that the others girls couldn't possibly comprehend. But how, she didn't know except that she must try.

"Once upon a time, for the one I loved, I destroyed eleven lives and robbed another eleven of their meaning in life. Just the thought of losing what was most important to me was more than I can bare… and I did things that I thought I would never be capable of…"

Mashiro took a deep breath, trying to relieve the ache sitting upon her chest as ancient memories resurfaced. To speak of them without the confines of the past proved to be difficult. Every scene, preserved perfectly within her mind, comes alive, assaulting her as if it was happening all over again. However, she knew she must go on. Silence shall only kill what she had set out to do. Before her next words could emerge though, she was cut off.

"You have my deepest sympathy," said Shizuru. Smiling, her head dipped into a small bow as she left her seat.

"Thank you for the lovely tea," she added, politely ending their meeting.

Mashiro said nothing, allowing the council president to casually brush by her, leaving behind an empty seat and the untouched contract. Muffled by the carpet, she could hear the distanct clicking of heels followed by the deep groan of the door being opened.

"Wait," said the director. Even though her command was soft and barely audible, the footsteps stopped. She knew how insignificant her words were to the studentcouncil president but she just couldn't bear watching the past repeat itself.

"I was never a strong person. You are, Fujino-san, and I've always admired you for it. Don't let past mistakes determine who you are and let it destroy the future," said Mashiro. The room became quiet once more, hostile and cold this time, but for once, she had nothing to hide. What she hadn't expected though was a reply.

"Please do not confuse yourself with me."

As swiftly as those words attacked, Shizuru left the room, abandoning the director alone within.

Without looking back, she strode through the halls, back the way she came, down a flight of long curving stairs to the front foyer where Fumi was expecting her. The maid wordlessly saw her out without a smile and her usual 'goodbye'. Shizuru reciprocated the lack of courtesy as the door closed behind her with precise timing.

Out in the open, the sunlight blinded her vision, stinging her eyes as she started her way on the paved narrow path.

Twenty two casualties. Twenty two deaths. Most people would consider it only to be eleven but like the director, she counted twenty two. She herself had lost count at around thirty one. It made her insides convulse just thinking that the director dared to make such a comparison. After all, Mashiro had said it herself; that during the festival, she did things that she thought she would never be capable of and that was exactly where they differed.

Shizuru shielded her eyes and looked up for a glimpse of the clear blue skies. Sunlight engulfed her vision and suddenly, a blink of darkness took over. The ground under her feet seemed to have disappeared and for a split second, she felt herself plummeting. The collision with a nearby tree snapped her back into consciousness. Shizuru stayed still, leaning heavily against the tree trunk. Her stomach burned, her head felt like lead weight while the rest of her body floated like weightless air.

Reaching up, Shizuru held a hand over her mouth, the other squeezing her stomach as she waited for the disgusting sensations to pass… somehow or other, they always did. She tried to concentrate on her lunch plans with Natsuki today but in the back of her mind, she could feel the last words of the director naggin with persistency.

Without knowing the depths of their powers, the past HiMEs faced consequences so alien it was no wonder the Obsidian Lord had manipulated them easily. They were indeed victims but not her. She had acted with precise results in mind, freely using the power she was so familiar with.

Up above, the sun rose higher as a gust of approaching winter winds snuck up her skirt and played with her hair. The coldness reminded Shizuru of her daily plans and she quietly summoned her body's obedience. Every sensation gradually withdrew, cowering into the deep recesses as she had commanded. Shizuru then leaned down to pick up the school bag that had dropped to the ground and continued on her way. Her stomach still hurt but she could care less at the moment.

The path gradually widened as various buildings, draped in blue sheets of plastic with the Suzushiro Construction logo printed over its length, came into view. It was unfortunate that the restorative powers of the crystal princess did not include property damages. Towering cranes and various piles of construction material could be seen everywhere. The long whines of electric saws and the pounding of drills could be heard throughout. It wasn't anything unusual though as the school had always had a constant log of recontructions.

So, like any typical day, students, traveling alone or in their respective groups, traversed the spacious school grounds of Fuuka Academy. Some were groaning with tired frowns on their faces, hardly believing that it was Monday yet again. Others whined about upcoming projects and tests while many could be caught giggling or gasping in disbelief amongst themselves about the latest rumours and gossips.

Distinctly, Shizuru caught a familiar name amidst the whispering. Her thoughts softly drifted to last night's dinner where Natsuki had recounted the myth about a haunted corridor in the south wing of the science building and a website that took enemies into hell by typing in their name. Shizuru indulged in a smile, shaking her head softly. Even though Natsuki claimed to have absolutely no interest in this sort of 'useless chitchat', the younger girl always seemed to be quite updated on these matters. In fact, as of late, it was Natsuki who was keeping her informed about the latest development between Mai and Tate and other interesting little things that she had heard.

A few students along the way disrupted her thoughts though as they waved to her with the usual "ohayo onee-sama" to which she responded with a small smile as was her custom.

The first two classes had passed rather uneventfully. To avoid 'persistent food sampling invitations', the council president decided to simply skip second period entirely. Besides, it was hard being original these days having exhausted many of her excuses as of late. Instead, she sought refuge in the student council room where she patiently waited for lunch time. A cup of cold tea accompanied her by the far end of her desk. After having caught the vague perfume of blood and fire within the steams of her preferred beverage, Shizuru decided to forgo her daily habit. It made her slightly uneasy as she had yet to have a sip. Cold tea was an option but the mere idea of it was even less appealing.

Occasionally, she could hear the birds chirping outside the windows. The halls were completely silent as classes were in session. This would have been perfect if Natsuki was sitting on the right corner of her desk, legs crossed in the most unladylike fashion. Instead, Shizuru simply found herself staring straight ahead, blinking periodically until her instincts gently nudged her.

She looked up to the round clock hung just above the doors, confirming that it was now fifteen minutes before lunch. Gradually, Shizuru left her seat. She moved through the halls to her locker and retrieved a long sand coloured coat that reached her knees. Navigating her way down two flights of stairs and out the school, she began her walk to the large forest in the back. As planned, she missed the lunch crowd as the bell rang.

Following the route which she knew off by heart, Shizuru easily found the meeting place that she had shared with her friend for years. Just some distance away, she could see that familiar figure, leaning against her bike, hands tucked inside her pockets. The black waist length jacket that Natsuki chose slimmed her already proportionate figure while giving her an air of cool aloofness. From the way her lips were slightly pursed with impatience, Shizuru knew that the other had been waiting for some time. Her heart skipped a beat, followed by an ache she had learned to cope with for as long as she could remember.

"Someone left early I see," said the council president, "I'm afraid I'll have to report you."

Shizuru added a few 'tsks', shaking her head with false reprimand as she caught the other's attention.

"That makes the two of us," replied Natsuki, curtly.

"Ah, but I have valid reasons for I'm here to arrest a certain perpetrator of school rules," came the smooth reply, "She has quite an impressive record for trouble. Perhaps you've seen her?"

" 'fraid not," retorted Natsuki, "Unless the person you're looking for is also a corrupt member of the student council, skipping out on duties."

"My, such crimes," agreed Shizuru, "I wonder what the executive board director would have to say about this."

"Let's not go there."

The council president chuckled softly as she caught a deep-coloured eyebrow twitching; No doubt, she was recalling one of those irrelevant long-winded self-righteous grammatically incorrect lectures. They weren't so bad though if one had the patience, a quality that the younger girl obviously lacked.

Unable to laugh at her own plight, Natsuki merely sighed before extracting a lunchbox, a thermos and a neatly folded piece of cloth from the back of her motorbike. She then led the way deeper into the forest until they reached their spot on a small hill. There, they laid out the cloth and sat side by side for an impromptu picnic.

Several times a week, they'd spend this time together unless Shizuru had a meeting. In that case, Natsuki would have lunch with Mai and the others. It was an activity that was becoming increasingly dangerous with Chie and Aoi discovering how 'cute' and 'fun' she was regardless of her protests to the contrary. She had complained about it several times to Shizuru but the older girl would only laugh before lamenting her inability to hog her 'cuteness' anymore. The council president would then encourage her to make more friends, saying how beneficial it would be as she'd be spending less time frowning and making her face a breeding ground for wrinkles. Sometimes, Natsuki couldn't help but wonder if adding injury to insult was one of the Kyoto girl's favourite hobbies.

As Natsuki started on her much anticipated meal having missed breakfast this morning (not without Shizuru patting her on the head and praising her for attending first period class first of course), she questioned the whereabouts of her companion's lunch and asked if she'd like any of hers. Shizuru simply shook her head, explaining her absolute inability to consume anymore food after her home economics class where she was bombarded with food sampling requests.

"And whatever happened to the diet plan," scoffed Natsuki. Even though she felt that Shizuru didn't need one, she just couldn't resist.

"Alas, what are a few pounds compared to the innocent smiles on those maidens' faces," reminisced Shizuru, "I couldn't possibly refuse."

Natsuki didn't even bother to dignify that comment with a reply, concentrating on sending a mouthful of food down her empty stomach.

Quietly, time passed. The sun was high with a cool breeze brushing gently. Shizuru could tell how much her friend was enjoying this delicious homely meal, courtesy of one of her roommates. A twinge of envy teased her from within. With the end of the festival, the once sporadic and elusive attendee of Fuuka Academy now went to school on a regular basis. Shizuru had looked forward to spending more time with her, doing things that they have yet to do. One of them was making Natsuki a bento. Sure, they've dined together and even cooked together on many occasions but this was different.

Unfortunately, the day that she prepared one was also the same day that had banned this little gesture. It was just a small insignificant incident but Shizuru couldn't help but remember every detail of it.

That morning, over a month ago, Natsuki was walking to school together with her two roommates. Her stoic face and sure strides contrasted immensely with her two companions. Shizuru had thought about approaching the other girl but it felt more appropriate to simply watch from afar. Besides, she didn't want to attract unnecessary attention that was already gathering around her.

And then… she saw it, casually held by the knot in Natsuki's left hand. Looking down to the one in her own hands, Shizuru noted the similar colour scheme of navy blue. Too bad the contents within didn't match as well for there was no doubt as to which one was better having tried Mai-san's cooking in the past.

Taking a separate route, Shizuru then called her friend on her cell phone and cancelled their plans due to a 'council meeting'. Even though she could have just given Natsuki hers as well but had her friend known about it, the younger girl would force herself to finish them both. She distinctly remembered which garbage can she had threw the redundant bento into.

Taking herself away from the memory, Shizuru took a sip from the thermos cap that also served as a cup. She didn't drink any of it except to wet her dry lips and the insides of her mouth.

It was nice to know that Natsuki had someone like Tokiha Mai taking care of her. The other girl was never really good at looking after herself with her poor cleaning habits and choice of diet, not to mention a certain reckless carelessness towards her own well being. To be honest, she had always worried since the day Natsuki had moved out and lived on her own during her second year of middle school. But now, she no longer had to worry. Not a single thing. The loneliness and pain that had drew her to this stubborn youth seemed to have disappeared. Her smiles were still few but they weren't as rare, with a bright hopefulness that was missing from before.

Taking a glance at the companion by her side, Shizuru noticed a small grain of rice that had escaped Natsuki's lips. She reached out then immediately stopped herself.

"Natsuki," she called.

The other girl turned to look at her with eyes like a spring canopy of leaves, vibrant and filled with so much innocence. Even in all this ordinariness, Natsuki was breathtaking. With a small smirk, the girl from Kyoto tapped a corner of her lips, a movement which Natsuki replicated.

A soft pink hue immediately attacked her cheeks as her fingers touched the cause of that suspicious smile. To her horror and surprise though, Shizuru then tapped on the other side of her mouth. She quickly repeated the action only to find nothing there. The tapping then moved up to Shizuru's forehead and Natsuki knew she had been played.

"Shizuru!" she reprimanded.

"Kanin, Natsuki," apologized the council president, "I just couldn't resist."

"I'll get you for this," seethed Natsuki, gritting her teeth.

"I look forward to it."

And Shizuru was not disappointed. As they packed up and began their journey back, the council president found herself at the mercy of the silent treatment. As per custom, she pleaded a little, reasoned a little, gave the brooding girl the wounded look as she bargained for forgiveness. It'd be a while before Natuski would cave in but until then, she'd be treated to the adorable sight of those cheeks huffed out ever so slightly with indignation and mock anger. This was all so simple, even childish and yet, it made smiling so natural and warm in a way that reason and logic couldn't possibly explain. That in itself made her heart drunk with addiction.

The air was clean and crisp as fallen leaves crunched under their steps. The temperature had risen a little more due to the perfect noon sun, heating up the cold ground. Shizuru knew this would be a one-sided conversation for the most part due to her companion's 'foul' mood. As main campus came into view though, she realized she had lost all of Natsuki's attention some time along the way.

"Natsuki?" called Shizuru.

Looking straight ahead, their little feud forgotten, her distracted companion replied.

"Where's everyone going?"

The council president turned her gaze away from Natsuki and noticed the unusual flow of students. They were all chattering excitedly and seemingly moving towards a single direction. To have such a high concentration of wandering students during what was supposed to be class time was indeed unusual.

Attracted by the event with a legitimate excuse to skip class, Natsuki followed the stream of teenagers with her friend following close behind. Shizuru herself felt hardly moved by curiosity but something that was capable of drawing such a large group of observers would probably require her presence anyways. Typically, it was damages from Orphan attacks or odd missing items. If it were early morning, the destruction would be from battles she and other HiMEs had participated in the night before. This time though, Shizuru could only guess the cause of the commotion.

Following the flow of people, they headed towards the front of the school. Natsuki had to slow down quite a bit to match Shizuru's leisurely pace as she moved at a tempo that could rival an elderly lady taking a stroll in the park. The younger girl had to refrain from making a granny remark for all the council president was missing was a cane and some gray hair. Along the way, out of impatience mostly, she even suggested a wager of whether this was another infamous Suzushiro mishaps that shall go down in Fuuka's history. If she won, Shizuru would have to do part of her homework. The council president had to reprimand her friend for such disrespect and inappropriate behavior. She then took the next second to decide on her own prize. (If she won, Natsuki would have to call her 'onee-sama' for the rest of the day to which the dark haired girl was able to bargain down to three times. Unfortunately, the both of them had wagered against the executive board director so the bet failed to be established).

By the time they arrived, a mob of students were already there at the scene, babbling like a flock of wild geese and pointing towards the cause of the disturbance. Shizuru hadn't even realized it until Natsuki stopped and frowned. Her gaze lingered over those slightly parted lips before turning her head towards the ruckus that had drew so many.

On the ledge of the wall, on the left side of the gates, a boy stood with a dagger grasped within his hands. A long row of pails sat close by his feet. Suzushiro Haruka could be seen standing on top of a tall stool. With a megaphone in her hand, she was screaming long lines of threats that seemed to provoke the boy rather than persuade him from his precarious location. Two students in distinct white executive board uniforms could be seen scaling the walls with ladders leaning against the solid cement. Every time they tried to close the distance though, a warning swing from the blade would keep them at bay. However, that was not what captured Shizuru's attention.

All over the front gates and the walls that surrounded the school entrance scores of red paint smothered the plain clean cement into a mural of art. Despite the crowd, anyone within proximity had a clear view from the repetitive words and colossal writing.

Murderer. Traitor.

Fujinozuka Kurenai.

The Path of No Return: The Last Battle II End

A/N: Thank you once again Kieli. Sorry it took so long... long boring story behind it so I won't even bother boring you with the details. Thanks for reading. Also regretting I didn't make this another fic... but I also wanted it to connect... too late now... whatever.

Side note: going to redo the Shizuru and Natsuki scene in the Suzushiro Conspiracy Part II, near the end. Still feel bad for having used Faith's idea. I haven't realized it until it was done and by then the dialogue was connected with that event that I was too lazy to change it. Finally going to redo it. Sorry Faith!