HELLO EVERYBODY!

I know that you all have been asking for the next chapter so I think you'll be happy to learn that I have finally finished it and I am posting it here! I would also like to thank all of you for leaving a review about the last chapter! I am so happy that you all like this so much!

Before I give you the chapter I must explain that like I said in my last post the story of this fic will not be the same with the anime story. You'll notice the first differences in this chapter! I hope you all like them!

My thanks as always to my beta Corona for his help!

No more talking! Please enjoy…

How It All Began

Chapter 10: friend or foe?
------------------------------

"You see Natsuki… I'm a HiME too."

Natsuki stopped breathing. Everything in her body just stopped functioning except her heart which was pounding in her chest like never before. Shizuru was smiling. She checked more carefully just to make sure that Shizuru wasn't joking. No, she wasn't joking obviously. Shizuru seemed to know things. The words "HiME" and "Orphan" were words that only someone who knew enough about HiME could use. Just then an idea crossed her mind! Shizuru must have gotten the information and she was using it to prevent her from leaving!

'Ha! You think you could fool me? Nice try Shizuru!'

"Shizuru, you don't have to lie to me. I understand what you feel. You know it's hard for me too, but I have involved you more than enough in this HiME situation and if you really know what HiME are then you will agree with me that this is the best decision I could make."

"I wasn't lying Natsuki."

Convincing Natsuki needed more than just words after all, but she was ready for anything.

"I can prove it to you."

Shizuru let Natsuki's wrist go and moved a little away from her. Which was the exact moment Natsuki realized that Shizuru had been holding her tight all this time. With wide eyes she watched Shizuru materialize her element. A large bardiche appeared under her palm and her fingers wrapped around it.

Natsuki tried in vain to say something but the words refused to come out of her mouth. Her expression, everything about her showed that she never expected anything like this. For a moment she felt dizzy. Shizuru was standing opposite of her, holding this large, yet beautiful, weapon and a sentance repeated in her mind like a broken record.

'Shizuru is a HiME.
Shizuru is a HiME.
Shizuru is a HiME.'

Shizuru was looking at the speechless Natsuki and she would have started laughing if the whole situation wasn't so serious. She was relieved. Now there was only one thing that she had to hide from Natsuki.

"Shizuru."

'Wow, I can speak again!'

"Yes?"

"You really ARE a HiME!"

"Of course Natsuki."

"And you were hiding this all this time."

"Just like you were."

"We're not talking about me now! We're talking about you!"

"And what is the difference exactly? We are both HiME."

"How did you learn that I was a HiME?"

"Well I saw your mark in the changing room when we were shopping for underwear. Besides I saw you in action too."

Shizuru gave Natsuki one of her brightest smiles.

"What? When?"

"Yesterday when you fought the Orphan. I wasn't unconscious all the time."

A small pause before Shizuru started talking again.

"I saw your Duran too. Kawaiiii!"

"Shizuru! Duran is NOT CUTE!"

"Are you serious? Duran is adorable! Let me show you my Kiyohime too."

Shizuru dematerialized her weapon and she stretched her palm towards Natsuki.

"Kiyohime."

Natsuki frowned but before she had the chance to say anything a tiny creature appeared on Shizuru's palm. It was purple, 'what else?' and it had many snake like heads. Well, if this child were big, then it would definitely be frightening but now, now she was staring at the tiny Child and she couldn't believe how cute it was!

'Ha! Mine is bigger! How can she call Duran cute when she has that Child?'

"This is my Kiyohime. Do you like her?"

The small creature made a low sound and starting moving its heads, especially when Shizuru patted one of them.

"Yes, but is it always so small?"

"Well she's a little larger in reality. But a few days ago I realized that I could summon her in this size too. She helps me organize my tea cups like this."

'Hm, I wonder if I could summon a small Duran to sleep at night with?' Natsuki sweatdropped.

Natsuki looked at Shizuru's face and she was amazed by the tenderness she saw in her eyes. There was a special bond between every HiME and her Child after all. That look on Shizuru's face proved it.

Shizuru's face became serious again.

"Now you know."

"Yeah I know."

Shizuru looked at Natsuki worried. She made little Kiyohime disappear. The tone of Natsuki's voice wasn't something she was expecting. When Natsuki faced her Shizuru froze, because she had seen this expression before and she knew what it meant. She didn't speak to her, trying to calm down. The silence in the garden was interrupted only when Natsuki spoke.

"I didn't know you were a HiME, but you knew that I was. You didn't say anything until I said that I was leaving. So, what would have happened if I didn't make this decision? You would have continued to pretend that everything was OK?"

Shizuru remained silent. Natsuki was angry, as she had every right to be. She wouldn't have said anything unless she had a very serious reason to expose herself.

"I really don't know what to think now Shizuru. Everything is so complicated."

"Natsuki."

The plead in Shizuru's voice certainly had an effect on Natsuki but she didn't want to be there anymore. She had already changed her decision, there was no reason to run away now that she knew that Shizuru was a HiME, but she needed time to arrange her thoughts and feelings.

"Shizuru, I have to go. I need some time alone. We'll talk again tomorrow I guess. Goodnight."

Shizuru was left alone in the garden. She didn't say goodbye or follow Natsuki. If Natsuki wanted to be alone then she wouldn't bother her. She tried to remember exactly what her friend said and just then she realized it. She said 'we'll talk tomorrow'! So she isn't going to leave anymore! Shizuru had achieved her goal. She wasn't feeling sad anymore. Natsuki would stay with her and even if she was still angry tomorrow she would manage to make everything normal again. Natsuki cared about her more than she wanted to admit. She would even return to her lonely life just because she wanted to protect her best friend. Such ideas gave Shizuru hope that there was a chance for her yet.

"My Natsuki."

These were the last words that Shizuru said before she entered the house, closing the door behind her.

--------

Natsuki already regretted leaving Shizuru like that, even before she got halfway back to the school dorms. She tried to think what she would do if she was in Shizuru's position and she realized that there was a large possibility that she would have acted the same way. Well Shizuru was a HiME and this was a good thing, right? No matter how many fights she'd have in the future, it would be nice to know that she had a person like Shizuru with her. Although, some of these fights were still her fights and nobody else should get involved.

Tomorrow was the big day. She would meet with the new HiME. She had to persuade her not to go to Fuuka Gakuen and if she couldn't do it with words she had plenty of other ways.

The time seemed to pass quickly as she rode her bike back to the school dorms. She was lost in her thoughts, doing everything almost by instinct and she returned to reality only when she stood in front of her door.

She opened the door and went inside. Absolute chaos still ruled the room, but something wasn't right. This was the place she spent so much of her time, where she always ran to, looking forward to being alone all the time. Now it seemed empty somehow.

She closed the door behind her and she threw herself on the bed. Shizuru was right, it really was a dump. She had to clean it one day. Well, even if she didn't want to she was sure that Shizuru would make her clean it.

Shizuru…

She was feeling a little guilty for leaving her like that but she couldn't help it. Well tomorrow she'd find her and speak with her. Natsuki closed her eyes but she couldn't sleep. Shizuru wouldn't get out of her mind. Images of Shizuru with her element, Shizuru holding her tiny Child...

Was it possible that every HiME could summon a small version of their Child? Her eyes opened in an instant! She got off the bed and looked around. This room was large enough; she could summon the original size of Duran in here, just in case that she couldn't achieve what she wanted.

'Concentrate.'

Natsuki closed her eyes.

"Duran!"

A loud sound and Duran appeared in front of her. He cried out in his wolf voice and Natsuki looked at him disappointed. He was large as usual. Well, maybe it would work with the second try. She made him disappear and tried to concentrate more.

"Duran!"

Again large Duran! What the hell? How could Shizuru do it? She gave Duran a determined look.

'If she can do it then so can I!'

"Duran!"

Now she was pissed off! Luckily no one could see her now, being humiliated like this! She would keep trying until she was able to summon little Duran! She could do it!

She kept trying and trying, but every single attempt was a failure. Maybe she couldn't do it after all. She looked disappointed at Duran in front of her, who was staring at her in a strange way. What a pity. She would really like to have tiny Duran with her. She tried to imagine how a small Duran would look. She closed her eyes. 'Well, here goes nothing.'

"Duran!"

Natsuki opened her eyes and he was there! A small Duran on the floor of her room, running towards her on his tiny legs. Natsuki bent down and took Duran in her hands. He was a little larger than Kiyohime, but he was exactly the size she wanted him. Duran licked her hand and looked up at her.

Natsuki took him to her bed and put him on the mattress. He walked up it and stopped at her pillow. After smelling it and recognizing Natsuki's scent he lay down on it. Natsuki smiled happily. She put her head next to him on the pillow and caressed her Child. No way she would unsummon him now! He was so cute! (Although she would never tell Shizuru she thought that) Natsuki closed her eyes, she was exhausted from summoning her Child so many times but at least now she could sleep.

--------

The next day was even hotter than the previous ones. Shizuru got out of the car a few meters away from the school gate. Before she could even enter the school yard she was surrounded by numerous fangirls, asking one question after another.

'News travel faster than light in this school.'

This was definitely Irene's work.

"This is so sweet! You don't have to worry so much though. It's nothing serious, just a scratch."

The questions kept coming. Especially the ones asking how she got hit but Shizuru wasn't paying attention anymore. Her eyes were searching among the students for Natsuki's figure. She already knew though that she wouldn't find what she was looking for, especially this early in the morning.

Shizuru decided to hurry up and go to the student council room before Haruka's screams were heard across the entire school yard. Just when she reached the door she heard Haruka's eternally loud voice.

"Look at the time! 8:15! She should be here by now! I'm sure she's taking her time sipping her tea as always. That bubuzuke-"

The door was opened and Haruka's speech was interrupted.

"I believe you called me Suzushiro-san."

"Yes I did."

Haruka's voice calmed instantly. Shizuru did her best not to laugh. Well she was perfect at controlling herself, so the only thing she let them see was a polite smile.

She closed the door and said 'good morning' to the council members before taking her usual position behind her desk. She checked around her. Reito, Takeda, Haruka, Yukino, everyone was there. So Haruka had called the whole council? She hoped that it wasn't something insignificant. The people in the room looked as if they could use another hour of sleep, all except Haruka who seemed full of energy as always.

Reito was kind enough to pour a cup of tea for the kaicho and offer it to her. Shizuru thanked him and he gave her a bright smile before returning to his seat. As soon as everyone was seated, Haruka walked to the center of the room and started speaking.

"The reason I called all of you here today is very serious. The things that happen within the school walls are too much to ignore anymore. Some of the students are completely out of control! I know that there are both genders attending this school and that it's natural for boys and girls to flirt but this has gone too far! I entered a classroom on Friday and I ran into a couple kissing! The worst thing is that they stopped to look at me and then they continued without even caring that I was looking at them! Students can't kiss like that-"

"They can't?"

It was Shizuru that spoke.

"Heh? Of course they can!"

"Then what exactly is the problem?"

"This is not a proper behavior, especially for a school like ours!"

"So students in our school aren't allowed to kiss?"

"Of course they are! But not in front of younger students and especially not inside a classroom! It's the student council's duty to protect the young students' innocent eyes from such defiling visions! We have to take measures immediately! I happen to know that similar incidents are happening all over the school, that's why I demand that the student's caught kissing in public places like the school yard and the classrooms be punished for their inapplicable behavior!"

"Inappropriate Haruka-chan!"

Yukino corrected Haruka's error as always. Shizuru sipped her tea, very much amused. This was unbelievable! Haruka called a student council meeting because of a kiss? Well it was true, student's shouldn't kiss in a classroom but it was only a kiss. Shizuru smiled behind her cup when she thought that if Natsuki would ever let her kiss her she wouldn't hesitate to do so in front of all the students and the teachers of Fuuka Gakuen! Obviously Haruka hadn't kissed anyone yet, that's why she was acting like that.

A sudden bang, which caused everyone to jump, was the result of Haruka's hand slamming on the desk. Takeda looked around him in question. His eyes showed that he had fallen asleep. Haruka continued speaking and Shizuru after a while stopped listening. Where was Natsuki now? What was she doing? No matter how hard she tried she couldn't get her out of her mind. She was somehow worried. What if Natsuki never got back? No, Natsuki said they would meet today. Besides she had her ways to find her. She wouldn't let Natsuki escape so easily.

"Do you agree!"

For a moment Shizuru was looking at Haruka without realizing that the blonde was talking to her. So what would Haruka want now? She wanted to forbid students from kissing? That was ridiculous!

"Suzushiro-san I don't really think that kissing is something we could forbid. I agree though that it's a little inappropriate for a place like a classroom. So, I'm leaving you to take care of this matter."

'And be sure that the exact time that you scream at them to stop kissing the students will follow your advice and never kiss in public again. Poor Haruka.'

"This is something you can do, isn't it?"

"I am the Executive Board Director! There is nothing that I can't do!"

The fish took the bait once more.

"Yukino! Come with me! We have work to do!"

Haruka marched out of the room with a determined expression while Yukino, loaded with papers and a laptop, hurried to follow her. She stopped and bowed to the council members before leaving.

"So now Suzushiro-san will search the whole school for pairs kissing?"

It was Takeda that had asked the question and he received laughter from both his companions as answer.

"Haruka one, kissing nil!" That was Reito. "And so another student council meeting comes to an end. I think it's time we returned to our classrooms."

"I have something to do first. I hope you don't mind if I come a little later."

"No problem Shizuru-san."

Reito and Takeda bowed to Shizuru.

"Goodbye for now!"

"Later Fujino-san."

"Goodbye."

Shizuru left her cup on the desk and walked to the window. She was definitely not in the mood to attend a class now. Besides she still had to find out what Natsuki was doing. Her eyes wandered in the school yard when her glance fell on someone familiar.

"Natsuki!"

So early in the morning? This was unusual. She had so many times covered up Natsuki's absences and most of them were because she had trouble waking up early in the morning. She felt the urge to go and speak with her. Anxiety filled her as she wondered if Natsuki was still angry at her. Well there was only one way to find out.

She hurried to meet Natsuki. Ignoring students and fangirls that looked at her walking down the school yard she approached where Natsuki was standing. Just before she was about to call her name she saw her digging her hand into her pocket and taking out her cell phone. She called a number and spoke.

Shizuru stayed there and she heard everything. Well Natsuki didn't say much but it was obvious that she had plans for the day. From the few words she heard she wasn't able to understand what these plans were but she decided to follow Natsuki and find out.

-------------
Natsuki couldn't sleep this morning. She woke up early with tiny Duran licking her face. She looked at the cute Child. So it wasn't a dream? She really summoned a small version of Duran last night!

Natsuki sat up on her bed. She was feeling eager to take care of the matter of the new HiME. It had been a while since she fought a strong opponent. The Orphans were no match for her anymore. Maybe it was her imagination, but it seemed to her that Duran had grown stronger and larger lately. She looked at tiny Duran cuddling with her and blushed.

'Maybe not right now but still.'

She remembered tiny Kiyohime in Shizuru's palm the previous evening. Shizuru was a HiME, who could have ever guessed something like that?

It was strange but instead of sleeping again she felt the desire to go to school. Shizuru would be there, although she didn't think she would meet with her. As soon as her information provider learnt Mikoto's exact spot, she'd leave.

when she arrived at school Shizuru wasn't in the school yard or in her class. Well there was one more place she could be. The door of the student council room was closed and Haruka's barking reached her ears as soon as she approached it.

'Poor Shizuru! Such torment so early in the morning!'

She smiled as she walked out of the building. No matter how angry she felt yesterday she was perfectly calm now. She wanted everything to be OK with Shizuru again. Although she would still keep something secret from her. She wasn't planning on telling her what she was going to do today with Mikoto. She was sure that Shizuru wouldn't approve of it and she would start lecturing again.

She called her informer who knew exactly where Mikoto would be. No more time to waste. She had to get there before Mikoto moved again. Natsuki stopped in front of her bike and looked around. It was safe to change clothes here. She replaced the school uniform with her biker suit and in a few seconds she was sitting on her bike, riding away from the school. She was so excited about what she was going to do that she didn't notice that there was someone watching her all this time.

--------------

When Natsuki left Shizuru picked up her cell phone and called her driver. As soon as the car was there she got in and they started moving. Natsuki was indeed careless today. She didn't even notice that there was a chopper flying nearby all the time, tracking her and giving instructions to Shizuru's driver. Shizuru's thought was to find out where Natsuki was going every time she left in such a hurry. Besides, she had this strange feeling. She was almost sure that Natsuki would need her help today.

--------------

The sound of the motorcycle stopped. A tent was set up a good distance away from her but she already knew that Mikoto wouldn't be there. She left her bike and continued on foot. Somewhere close there should be a river. She walked ahead for a while until she finally saw it. This place was beautiful! There was greenery and flowers everywhere and the river water looked so clear and fresh! Natsuki wondered how it would feel to take a bath in a place like this.

A loud voice stopped her daydreaming. She turned her head to look at the source of the voice and noticed a young girl standing in the river. She looked younger than the photo and there was something about her, something strange that she couldn't define. This girl didn't resemble other girls her age. Natsuki frowned as she noticed that the girl was not moving at all, only staring at the river bottom in front of her.

'Is there something wrong with her?'

And then she saw it! Mikoto moved so fast that Natsuki hardly saw her bending down and standing again carrying a big fish that was trying in vain to get back into the water. Her face was lightened by the most satisfied expression Natsuki had ever seen as she walked towards the river bank and left the fish on a pile of others she obviously caught from the river.

Natsuki took a deep breath and walked towards Mikoto. This was a total disappointment. She hoped that she would get a decent fight here but it seemed that she wouldn't have that since her opponent was such a small girl. Although she looked fast, but this wouldn't help much against a more powerful opponent. She stood in front of Mikoto not sure how she should approach her. Maybe she should just talk to her but then again there was always option 2. If she just attacked her then maybe the girl would get more scared.

'Nah, lets say something first.'

"Hi."

Mikoto looked at her with a puzzled expression. Natsuki waited but she got no answer.

"I said hi! Are you deaf?"

Natsuki didn't wait to get an answer to that, so she continued speaking.

"I know what you are. You are a HiME and I am here to warn you. If you value your life then you won't go to Fuuka Gakuen"

Natsuki's tone was serious and a little irritated. Couldn't this girl speak?"

Mikoto just growled.

"Hey! Didn't you hear what I just said?"

Mikoto's face took on an angry expression. Natsuki watched her body shift into battle position and wondered how long this fight would last.

'Not more than a few seconds.'

Natsuki smiled to herself and then the smile froze on her lips as she saw Mikoto raise her hand up in the air.

"Miroku!"

Natsuki frowned. That's how she called her Child? And then a large sword fell from the sky and landed just beside Mikoto. The sword, as if it was alive, leaned towards Mikoto's side and Mikoto took it in her hands.

Natsuki almost laughed out loud at the sight in front of her. The sword was taller than Mikoto and the small girl was obviously not strong enough to use it.

'Piece of cake!'

"So you want a fight heh? Then you'll have it! When I finish with you, you'll never think of attending that school again!"

Just when she said the last word she materialized her element. Her guns appeared in her palms and she shot her death glare towards the girl.

Mikoto snarled and jumped into the air. Before Natsuki realized what was happening Mikoto was attacking her with that huge sword. The girl's speed was incredible and although it seemed that she could hardly fight with that weapon Natsuki had a hard time dodging the attacks. This wasn't right! She had to attack! She managed to get a little away from the annoying HiME so she could have some time to summon Duran.

"Duran!"

Natsuki was pissed off. She never expected to need Duran just to fight a girl that didn't even summon her own Child! This was humiliating!

Within a couple of seconds Duran was there attacking Mikoto. Natsuki watched as her Child jumped on Mikoto and grabbed the sword between his sharp teeth. Mikoto growled and swung her sword to the side with so much force that Duran was tossed aside. Mikoto didn't let time go to waste. She took advantage of this to attack the surprised Natsuki. Natsuki noticed that the last moment and she hardly managed to avoid the hit that was meant for her. She raised her small guns and aimed. Mikoto already started to move again when Natsuki fired at her. The ice bullets never reached their destination though; Mikoto kept avoiding them or deflecting them with her sword.

"Duran! Load Silver Cartridge!"

Natsuki was using one of her best cards in order to defeat this incredible HiME that kept avoiding both her and Duran's attacks and she still had time to attack Natsuki. Duran already loaded the silver cartridge when Natsuki commanded him to fire. The Child fired at Mikoto who realized what was going to happen and hurried to get away. She quickly ran towards Natsuki and raised her sword over Natsuki's head. Natsuki was caught off guard. The sword was coming closer and closer to her head when…

whip

All Natsuki saw was something red flashing in front of her, stopping the sword and throwing Mikoto to ground at the same time.

"Ara, ara! I think Natsuki definitely needs my help here!"

Natsuki frowned, not sure that she heard right.

"Shizuru? What are you doing here?"

Natsuki said that before her eyes reached her friend. She turned around quickly and she almost fell down when she found herself face to face with a huge snake head!

"What is this?"

"That's my Kiyohime! I told you that she is a little larger in reality!"

"This is a little!"

Kiyohime growled and Shizuru smiled. She was standing on one of the snake like heads, holding her weapon behind her back. Natsuki looked at Shizuru with a silly expression on her face. Shizuru sure was magnificent whatever she was doing. Now she came to help her with this huge Child.

Mikoto was standing opposite of them, observing the two friends at first but then she took the opportunity to attack again. She turned her sword around ramming it into the ground and large spikes started coming out of the ground. Just when the spikes reached the two HiME they jumped to the side avoiding them. Natsuki looked at Shizuru and smiled. They were fighting together.

Mikoto kept coming at them no matter how often she would be thrown back. How much energy did this girl have anyway? Well no matter how strong she was, she wouldn't win now. It was two against one.

"Mikoto! Ramen is ready!"

Natsuki stopped moving. There was another one? Mikoto wasn't traveling alone?

Mikoto's face lit up. It showed so much excitement but she didn't stop fighting. In fact she sped up her movements.

Both Shizuru and Natsuki were looking surprised at Mikoto, fighting both Kiyohime and Duran faster and more savage than before!

Someone was approaching them wearing an apron and holding a ladle in her hand.

"What's happening here?"

'I thought I heard some noises from up here.'

She quickly ran towards the fighting girls throwing away the ladle. She recognized at once the creatures fighting Mikoto.

'HiME? But why are they attacking Mikoto? If I don't end this soon Mikoto will trash half the mountain in her starved fury.'

She materialized her element and flew towards Mikoto.

"KAGUTSUCHI!"

Above her head a huge dragon like Child appeared and Natsuki looked at it irritated.

'What the hell? Why do they all have such a huge Child? Well the size doesn't matter, right?'

"Duran! Load Flash Cartridge!"

Before Duran had time to do what Natsuki commanded Kagutsuchi moved towards him. Just when he was about to flatten Duran, Kiyohime got in the way and protected Duran.

Kiyohime and Kagutsuchi continued hitting each other while Duran loaded the flash cartridge. At the same time Shizuru was keeping Mikoto focused on her while Natsuki was left to deal with the new HiME.

"That bastard! He's gonna pay for this! He never mentioned the second HiME!"

Shizuru frowned. What was Natsuki talking about?
Natsuki glared at her but she didn't seem scared. She aimed and fired at the HiME, but she somehow used an energy field to shield herself. The rings around her wrists and ankles kept spinning and with a quick move of her arms a river of fire was thrown towards Natsuki, which she barely avoided. Natsuki was tired of all this. She looked at the HiME and she felt blood rushing through her veins.'Why don't these girls do what I tell them to do?'

Duran was next to her, ready to follow her command whenever she told him to fire. Flash Cartridge wasn't something these girls would like though she wouldn't have time to warn Shizuru. She decided to give them a last chance to surrender before she fired.

"This is your last chance!"

She yelled at the orange haired HiME. She seemed more civilized than the feral girl who was now manically fighting Shizuru.

"I don't want to hurt you! Do as I say and you won't be harmed!"

"And what is this that you want us to do?"

"Don't come to Fuuka Gakuen!"

"What!"

Instead of the HiME it was Shizuru who had spoken, which was a big mistake. The one moment she was distracted Mikoto jumped at her. Natsuki looked at her in horror.

"Shizuru!"

Natsuki aimed her gun at Mikoto and was about to fire when the other HiME shouted:

"Mikoto stop! NOW!"

Not knowing why but ever the obedient pet Mikoto stopped at once and looked up at her and when she saw that she also stopped fighting ran over to her. Natsuki dropped her hands and let out a sigh.

Shizuru also calmed down and took the opportunity to tease Natsuki some more.

"I didn't know Natsuki was so worried about me!"

"What! I wasn't worried about you!"

"Oh Natsuki I'm so happy! I care about you too!"

"Shizuru stop it!"

By now everybody was looking at Natsuki even Kiyohime and Kagutsuchi stopped and seemed to look at her. Which in Kiyohime's case with her many snake heads was rather disturbing.

Not fazed by anything, the HiME asked her like nothing happened: "Why? Is there a reason we shouldn't go there?"

Shizuru waited for Natsuki's answer too. She wanted to know why Natsuki wanted so eagerly to prevent these girls from coming to their school. Natsuki felt awkward having all these eyes looking at her.

"Because they are gathering the HiME there and it can't be a good thing! Who knows what their plans are!"

"So what do you propose we do?"

"Return to the place where you came from!"

"Are you crazy? I've been living with this girl in a place that doesn't even have running water or electricity! No way I'm going back there!"

Shizuru looked at her puzzled. What place was this girl talking about? Did they live in the wilderness?

Mikoto gave Natsuki an angry look and started gnashing her teeth.

She raised her sword up in the air and was about to run towards Natsuki when the other HiME grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, which was all she was wearing. Just a huge t-shirt reaching to her knees, the lower half soaking wet from the river the rest covered in mud.

"Mikoto I said stop!"

Mikoto looked at her and dropped Miroku. The sword fell on the ground next to her bare feet.

'The savage girl seems to obey the other one. Interesting.'

This thought brought a smile on Natsuki's face. If she managed to persuade the orange haired HiME then the other one definitely wouldn't come to school either. She decided to give it a second try.

"Hey! Listen to me! This is serious! Don't go there!"

"I'm sorry but I can't do you this favor. We are going to that school whether you want us to or not. If you are trying to scare us then you picked the wrong people."

"Natsuki-"

Shizuru was interrupted by the girl speaking again.

"Besides, I think instead of fighting each other we should join our forces and work together on finding what they are planning to do with us."

"I think she's right."

Shizuru's determined voice made Natsuki frown again. Whose side was Shizuru on anyway? Mikoto came even closer to the other girl and wrapped her arms around her body. To everyone's surprise she rubbed her face in her breasts. Her light blush was nothing compared to the dark red color of Natsuki's cheeks. Shizuru giggled when a growl came from Mikoto's stomach.

"I think it's time for some ramen. Do you want to join us?"

"Food!"

At the mention of food Mikoto started to drool and quickly pulled the other girl's arm in the direction of the tent. Natsuki was feeling a little hungry and tired after all this fighting, but she would never accept to eat with the enemy. Shizuru should do the same!

"We'd be glad to join you, right Natsuki?"

"WHAT!"

Natsuki shot Shizuru an irritated glance. That girl! She opened her mouth to say something and then ah! the humiliation! Her stomach growled even louder than Mikoto's had a few moments ago!

"I'm afraid that your stomach has a different opinion on the subject."

Shizuru sounded amused. She was enjoying this! So that's it? She had lost? She looked at Shizuru who was smiling sweetly. Obviously she didn't mind them coming to school. there was no chance now; even if she could persuade the new HiMEs she had no chance of changing Shizuru's mind. She took a deep breath:

"OK let's eat."

Mikoto hurried ahead and more or less dragged the other girl behind her. Shizuru came near to Natsuki and looked into her eyes.

"Natsuki you have nothing to worry about. Trust me."

'Trust you? I always trust you Shizuru.'

Natsuki felt her friend's warm hand on her back and shivered, though she wasn't sure why. She quickly started walking towards the place the other two were going, followed by a disappointed Shizuru. So Natsuki still avoided her touch. She decided to think about it later and composed herself again as she arrived behind the tent. Everything was taken care of. There was a small fire and a big cauldron full of ramen. As they said down five little cats came running out of the tent and headed straight for Mikoto and tried to attach themselves to her.

"Well we don't have a table or comforts like that. I hope it's OK with you."

"Don't worry we'll be alright. Thank you for inviting us for dinner."

"It's a pleasure to meet new HiME. Besides, we'll be attending the same school soon."

Natsuki looked at her irritated but she forgot everything when a bowl of hot ramen appeared under her nose. She took it, the smell of it making her feel faint. She was starving! Mai was giving a second bowl to Shizuru when Mikoto jumped and grabbed the bowl before Shizuru did. Shizuru started giggling looking at Mikoto eating with an incredible speed.

"Mikoto!"

"Mai ramen! Delicious!"

Natsuki started eating too and to her surprise this food tasted better than any other ramen she had eaten before. That's why Mikoto was so eager to eat! Just when Mai handed Shizuru another bowl Mikoto yelled!

"More!"

'What's wrong with this girl?' Natsuki finished less than half of her bowl but this girl was already asking for seconds.

Mai filled Mikoto's bowl again and soon they were all eating. Of course Mikoto emptied her bowl first and asked for more but Natsuki wasn't surprised anymore. When they finally finished eating Mai picked up the bowls and returned to her previous position. Mikoto came closer to her and rested her head on Mai's lap.

"I don't think we had the chance to introduce ourselves properly."

Shizuru smiled. "Yes that's true. I'm Fujino Shizuru and this is Kuga Natsuki."

"I am Tokiha Mai and this wild girl in my lap", she patted Mikoto's head, "is Minagi Mikoto. Nice to meet you!"

Natsuki almost laughed hearing Mai speaking like that. Yes she was very glad to meet them, especially her that came to beat the hell out of them so they wouldn't come to the school.

Natsuki examined the two girls more carefully. Mai was pretty and she was acting like a housewife near the other girl and Mikoto, Mikoto was like a wild animal. She was purring with satisfaction when Mai caressed her black hair. Natsuki smiled as she thought that the only thing missing from this picture was a collar and a bowl of milk. While she was thinking that one of the bolder cats was approaching Natsuki, who wasn't sure how to react.

"Sorry about that. Those cats seem to be drawn to us no matter where we go. Just shoo them away"

"So how long have you been travelling? You must come from very far away"

"Well we started traveling two days ago. The truth is that we could have reached the school a lot sooner but we only travel at night and stop all the time to feed her or simply look at the scenery. It's not often that I get to see other places.

Natsuki looked at the small girl. How often was she eating? It was hard to believe, given how much she had just eaten. Mai noticed Natsuki's disbelieving look

"I know that she looks small and fragile but her stomach is like a black hole. It's a miracle! She eats so much but she remains agile as ever."

Mai looked proudly at Mikoto and Mikoto returned a rather sleepy but tender look. Shizuru recognized this look at once. It was so obvious. How did it escape her all this time? Her eyes searched for Natsuki. Was it possible that she realized this as well? Natsuki was staring with such an embarrassed expression, her cheeks were on fire. So Natsuki noticed it.

"So how did you two meet?"

"That was some years ago. I've ran away from home and I found myself wondering in a forest. It was getting dark and I spent the night there. When I woke up in the morning Mikoto was curled up next to me. That was it. She stole my heart from that moment."

Mai's hand touched Mikoto's cheek and Mikoto with a quick move licked Mai's palm.

"Mai delicious!"

As soon as Shizuru saw this she looked at Natsuki. It would be a pity to miss such a vision. If anyone's head could ever explode from embarrassment then it definitely would be Natsuki's head now! She was staring on the ground in front of her and Shizuru noted to herself to remember this for when they were alone again.

Mai noticed Natsuki's embarrassment and laughed.

"Mikoto likes to lick me and if she gets the chance others too."

Before Mai had the time to finish what she was saying Mikoto got up and started approaching Natsuki. Natsuki looked at Mikoto in doubt. Mikoto moved really slowly and for a while all the other girls were doing was looking at the strange girl.

Mikoto brought her face closer to Natsuki's body and to her great surprise she started sniffing her. Natsuki's eyes opened wide when Mikoto made a disgusted sound and an expression of dislike showed on her face while she moved away from her. She came closer to Shizuru this time, who was watching the whole scene amused.

Mikoto's face was a couple of centimeters away from Shizuru's thigh, sniffing it. She smiled and looked up at Shizuru before lowering her face again on her thigh and started licking her!

"What is she doing there!"

Natsuki was pointing at Mikoto who looked at Mai with a happy expression.

"Tea! Delicious!"

She returned to licking Shizuru who started giggling, more because Natsuki's face was the funniest thing she's ever seen.

"Fujino-san, I think she likes you!"

Mai was looking with love at the small girl and Shizuru brought her hand on Mikoto's head caressing her black hair.

"This is sooo sweet!"

"Hey does that mean that she doesn't like me? She didn't lick me!"

"Maybe, it's strange for Mikoto not to like someone, but she doesn't like the smell of dogs. Do you have a dog Kuga-san?"

Natsuki decided not to answer that! It was a long time ago that she had a dog. Her mind wondered back to tiny Duran this morning. Could she smell that? Duran is not a dog and she also took a shower. This was ridiculous! She was a person everybody likes!

Mikoto returned back to her usual place on Mai's lap and then Shizuru remembered something.

"Tokiha–san., are you planning on going to school today?"

"Well I think we should be able yes. It's almost dark and we are pretty close to the school and there is food for Mikoto to eat during the travel."

"FOOD!"

Mai yelped when Mikoto jumped up and started running towards the place they were fighting.

"Where is she going?"

Shizuru looked puzzled at Mai. Mai smiled but it was Natsuki that answered her question.

"She forgot to bring the fish she caught from the river."

"More fish?"

Mai looked desperate. Natsuki laughed and looked at Shizuru. So she wanted to go back? At that moment Mikoto returned holding a pile of fish with a huge smile lighting her face.

"I think there is another matter that you don't know. The headmistress is currently absent so you won't be able to meet with her today. You need a place to spend the night, at least for tonight, until she comes back tomorrow and arranges a room in the school dorms."

"Then maybe we should wait until tomorrow."

"No, that's not what I meant."

Natsuki looked at Shizuru in question. What was she saying? Was she offering her place for the two girls to spend the night? So where would Shizuru stay then?

"I meant that there is a room in the school dorms where you can spend the night. Well it's a little untidy but I think it will be OK. Ne Natsuki, you don't mind spending another night at my house, do you?"

"WHAT!"

Natsuki was looking at Shizuru not sure if she had heard right.

"Natsuki's room is a double and she doesn't have a roommate, so it would be perfect for you to spend the night there. Tomorrow you'll have the chance to meet with the headmistress."

'Hey! Nobody asked me!'

She looked angrily at Shizuru.

"Natsuki please?"

'Aaaarghhh! Those eyes!'

Natsuki couldn't say no when Shizuru gave her that look!

"Fine! But I warn you! That place is a real mess! I wouldn't be surprised if you found mice in there."

"Mice! Delicious!"

Natsuki looked at Mikoto disgusted. Mai should do something about her little pet. A little civilization wouldn't hurt. She gave Mai her room's key and told her the room number.

"Good luck!"

"Tokiha-san do you know how to get to the school's dorms?"

"I don't think it would be that difficult. In the worst case we can ask the students."

"It's ok then. I think we should get ready to leave."

"I'll be ready in no time!"

Mai got up quickly and started packing things. Natsuki watched her entering the tent and coming out carrying things that she pushed into a large suitcase and then again inside the tent and again pushing things inside the suitcase. Just when Natsuki started getting bored Mai dismantled the tent. In a few seconds she was standing opposite of the two girls ready and Mikoto next to her, carrying a black case with Miroku inside and her fishes. Natsuki looked around but she couldn't see another bike or car; all she could see was her own bike a few meters away from them.

"Tokiha?"

"Yes?"

"How are you going to travel? Where is your vehicle?"

"But here of course."

Natsuki stared even more puzzled than before. 'Where?' She scanned the place around her once more.

"KAGUTSUCHI!"

A loud sound was the answer to Mai's call and her Child was summoned once more.

"Heh!"

She watched Kagutsuchi fly down to the ground and Mai starting to load him with things.

"Hey! What are you doing there? Our Child is supposed to aid us in battle, it's not a mode of transport!"

Shizuru was laughing rather loud and no matter how much she tried to stop it she couldn't!

"Why not? Kagutsuchi is helping me with everything, right boy?"

Mai came closer to him and patted him on the head. Kagutsuchi made some strange sounds and moved his head a little. She sat on his back and Mikoto climbed onto the huge dragon and sat beside Mai.

"I guess we'll see you tomorrow."

"Tokiha-san as the kaicho of the student council I welcome you to Fuuka Gakuen."

"You're the kaicho? Then both Mikoto and I thank you very much!"

Mikoto was waving goodbye to the two girls as the dragon carried them away. Shizuru turned to Natsuki with a devious smile.

"Alone again. Don't you think that we should return back as well?"

"Yea"

Natsuki hopped on her bike and offered her helmet to Shizuru, who turned down the offer as always. They started moving and Shizuru held Natsuki's body tightly even before Natsuki had warned her to hold on. The bike virtually flew back to Shizuru's house. She parked it just next to the door and soon they were inside the house. Natsuki was feeling a little awkward now.

"You know Natsuki, this is the best time to sit outside in the garden. Come!"

She walked outside and sat on the bench.

"Come sit here! I don't bite! Or are you still angry at me?"

Natsuki turned her back to Shizuru and stared at the flowers.

"Shizuru why did you fight Mikoto with me today? It seemed that you didn't know the reason we were fighting."

"I thought you were in danger so I decided to help my best friend. Although now that I know the reason I must say that I don't approve of the way you are dealing with the whole situation."

"Shizuru you don't know! The First District are gathering the HiME here. If they are planning to use them for profit then it definitely won't end well."

"Maybe you're right, but scaring away the HiME?"

"There aren't any more HiME coming to Fuuka anyway."

"You know Natsuki, I'm glad that we met with those girls-"

"You mean a girl and a wild animal!"

Shizuru laughed.

"They seemed like good girls…" and after a small pause "They seemed really close too."

Natsuki was silent. A blush was rapidly returning to her cheeks and she didn't dare to look at Shizuru anymore.

"Didn't you notice that Natsuki?"

"Yeah, they seemed really... close."

"As if they were a pair."

"Shizuru!"

Shizuru giggled and stood up.

"You know something Natsuki? It's beautiful here but it would be better if we were drinking tea too."

'What's with her and tea anyway?'

Natsuki followed her friend into the kitchen. Just before Shizuru started preparing their tea she turned to faced Natsuki. Her face was calm but her eyes were that strange shade of red again.

"Natsuki, I'm really happy that you are a HiME. It's nice to know that there is a person you trust fighting by your side."

Natsuki was happy too, but she didn't want to show that.

"You know it would have been better if you'd told me that you knew I was a HiME earlier."

She put on a pretence of an irritated face, one which Shizuru saw through at once.

"It's not my fault that Natsuki doesn't try to hide her HiME mark when she wants her identity as a HiME to remain hidden."

"Hey! It's not my fault! You rushed into the changing room!"

Natsuki started feeling embarrassed again, remembering what happened in there.

"You could still hide it you know! You've seen me almost naked too, but I was careful enough not to let you see my mark!"

Natsuki frowned. Shizuru was right! She had already seen Shizuru in her underwear but she didn't notice any HiME mark. That was strange, in the end curiosity got the better of her.

"So Shizuru, where is your HiME mark?"

"Well it's... I know, i'll show you it."

Shizuru brought her hands to her chest and started unbuttoning her vest, then her shirt.

"Oi! Shizuru! What are you doing there! Stop Shizuru! SHIZURU!"

To Be Continued...

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Natsuki collapses
Irina rushes in disguised as Natsuki
Corona rushes in and drags Irina out by her hair
Irina beats Corona for making her lose an opportunity like that :D

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Well this was chapter 10. I'll be waiting to hear your opinion about it!

Thanks for reading!

KISSES

Irina67