AN: And here we go with yet another chapter, chapter 10! It's amazing how far I've gotten in this story and it's still going on strong. I haven't written a story this long before and if I have, I surely cannot remember. Surprisingly, I haven't had any writer's blocks, but watch as I'll end up jinxing myself here. Hopefully not. I'll give you a teaser, things have been wonderful here in the real world, aside from the story-writing here. Everything is definitely looking up, both for this story and my life. However, instead of rambling, I'll get on with the show. Bon appetit!
Shadowed figures worked around a pulsating red orb; beings documented notes on clipboards. Crimson light eminated from the object, hums of approval coming from the beings surrounding the orb. The surroundings seemed laboratory-like, all of the walls white-washed and sterile-appearing. Other beings were positioned in front of monitors, studying results from previous analyses. A person in a lab coat began typing something onto a keyboard attached to the glass column containing the pulsating orb, different fluids appearing in the container and reacting to the orb.
The image rippled, like a lake after a stone had been thrown into it. A wild cackle sounded before the image faded into nothing. Small boy stood where the image faded away, hands in his pockets and back straightened. He rocked back onto the heels of his feet before running a hand through his snowy hair. "I do believe I've found the source of dear Mashiro's concerns. I think things shall get interesting here, so a visit is in order." Nagi walked away from his pedestal and into the shadows of the void; white visage rippling and fading away into nothing.
Small woman sat in her wheelchair, child-like face illuminated by the sun's morning rays. She watched birds fly from tree to grass and bounce around from area to area. It was a peaceful morning despite the heavy feeling weighing on her chest and mind. Hands clasped on her lap, expression seeming to be lost in thought. "You're not too good at sneaking up on defenseless women, Nagi." White-haired boy froze where he stood, acting innocent as if he wasn't planning anything. "I can sense you, despite your attempts at hiding."
Nagi held his hands up in defeat, a smirk stretching his features. "Forgive me for trying to have a bit of fun, Mashiro. You know how bored I can get." Young boy walked over to Mashiro's side of the desk, and leaned against its edge. Fingers ran themselves through white tresses, before looking at the woman beside him. "What wrong is there in visiting an old friend?"
Mashiro shifted her gaze and looked directly at the elusive boy beside her, gaze hardening to a more serious facade. "Nagi, you're hiding something or holding something back. So what is your real reason for returning back to this realm?"
He had been caught, that girl knew him too well for him to play his games. "I was bored in the void, so I was doing some watching to pass the time. You know, seeing what humans are doing: their life activities, get-togethers, orphan manufacturing... Normal things in this realm." He smirked, knowing he caught Mashiro's attention with the orphan manufacturing.
Her eyes widened in shock, mainly out of Nagi's apparent blazé demeanor toward the situation more than anything. "How is it you're able to state that with such a carefree attitude towards this?" It disturbed her how this boy could be smirking over such serious matters; human lives were at stake here!
Nagi walked away from the desk over to one of the sofas across the room and fell against it haphazardly. "Relax, Mashiro, these are human affairs and have no effect on us. Why are you so concerned with matters which you have no reason to worry over?" Nagi paused, thinking over what he just said and studying Mashiro's body; a thought occurred to him. "Oh, I see now. You're still afraid that your precious HiME will follow in your footsteps. Oh, how precious!"
Seafoam hues lowered; thoughts plaguing her mind at Nagi's accusations. Perhaps it was true that she didn't want her maidens following in her footsteps, making her mistakes. It was as if those young women were her children, despite how odd that seemed. She wanted to guide them along the right path, but it seems fate has a few plans in store for all of them. "I want what is right and easy for them... Do you know of anything else?"
White haired boy jumped up from the couch, and wandered the room. "I know no more than you- but think on this, Mashiro, destiny is never easy despite how much you try to soften its blow. Destiny cannot be changed, you should know that." With his piece said, Nagi disappeared, leaving Mashiro to her thoughts.
"Perhaps it is time for destiny to change again..."
AN: And that marks the end of this chapter, I enjoyed writing this one despite the fact I was befuddled with how to continue it in the beginning. I was just writing then stopped and was like "um, how do I continue this...?" Well, I figured it out after a few days, which was a week or so ago... Like I've said, I have most of these chapters pre-written and just type them up. However this chapter was recently written and the next one is in the works. I am SO SORRY, for the severely late update as I've been SERIOUSLY busy at work. Hardly having any time to do much of anything. I have two days off, both of which are used either doing paperwork or catching up on sleep. Did I mention I got promoted? So yes... Hectic life is now hectic... Stay tuned and I'll have it churned out before you know it. Merci beacoup, mes amis! Au revoir, Aislinn.