HiME... chapter 10: Unravel
I've been dreaming for so long that reality holds no sway – Where have I lingered for all of these years? Somewhere I got lost between the world of the living, and that of the dead. Coming back hurts. Even now I can feel the pain reverberate throughout what's left of me.
…Something screams fall, something else echoes stay…
Somewhere in the recesses a mild throb inched her closer to the fringe of reality. Stubbornly she resisted. Something inside wanted to savor the warmth that lingered on her skin. Alas consciousness would win the battle. It always did.
"Mm – "
Shizuru's hazy crimson eyes came to focus on the stark white ceiling above. Where the hell was she? Her mind was slow to engage. Oh that's right.Realization eventually came, and she made a move to sit up. Only then did she notice the weight pressed against her. Slender brows dipped, and she peered down curiously.
Dark ribbons of hair splayed across her shoulder and chest like rivulets of silk that caused her skin to tingle. Her line of sight trailed to the source and eyes widened as she took in the spectacle of a lithe body curled thoroughly around the side of her, the head of which was nestled under the crook of her right arm. She blinked, lips parted, and a small noise of surprise escaped. Immediately she covered her mouth, and bit the lower tier.
She breathed out slowly, trying to expel the whorl of confusion swelling in her chest. For a brief moment crimson eyes retreated behind the safety of their lids only to reopen a second later to again partake in the strange, but very much so real visage. It's not a dream.She concluded, not quite sure if that fact brought on satisfaction or apprehension. From beside her a soft, unintelligible murmur passed the dark haired woman's lips. Not a second later her well constructed cheekbones tinged light pink. A slender brow arched as Shizuru watched curiously. After a moment she released another breath and brought a hand to her head where she massaged gently. There was a dull ache emanating from the recesses of her skull.
Carefully she extricated herself and stepped quietly off the side of the bed, crimson eyes never averting from the body still wrapped up in the sheets. The various prospects of what had led to Natsuki sleeping beside her brought a wave of trepidation inside of her gut the second her feet touched the ground. Needless to say the thoughts were less acceptable than she would have hoped. Staving off the urge to verbally chastise her own unsavory behavior Shizuru ducked in to the bathroom, and closed the door soundlessly behind her. Once inside however she did release a long, pent up groan of frustration.
"Araaa…" was the only word she could clearly formulate.
Her reflection in the circular mirror stared back, showing her chewing the end of her thumb nail worriedly. What exactly had happened last night? Everything was blurred. There had been wine involved she remembered that much but what else, when had Natsuki gotten there? Another fretful sound made its way from between her slightly trembling lips. Surely nothing as sordid as… The idea made its way back 'round her mind for a second time and she gasped lightly against the back of her knuckles. No. Surely not! With an exasperated exhale of frustration she turned on the hot water and scrubbed her face feverishly.
One strong factor that lent to Natsuki being passed out in her bed for reasons other than sex was the fact she had been fully dressed, and so had she. Surely if they had exchanged in such passion they both would have been very much so naked still. The only thing missing from the woman in the bedroom were the boots left in a heap beside the bed. Before jumping to such wild conclusions she really needed to remind herself to think through every possibility, not just the seedy ones. Throughout the length of her now logical analysis of the situation she managed to quell some of her worries.
After fussing with her appearance for a while longer, Shizuru eventually managed to get out of the bedroom without making too much noise. When she'd arrived in the living room however, what she saw there made her stop cold in her tracks. Mentally she accounted for the mess; crushed remnants of pills smeared across the coffee table, three whole pills beside that, and broken glass across one length of the floor. She blinked.
So this was why she couldn't fully recall what had happened. A sigh passed her lips and she brought her hand up to squeeze the bridge of her nose.
Had she so easily slipped back into old habits? Why did she always resort such methods in order to seek comfort, it never worked! The only purpose it served was to dull her mind enough to no longer consciously think on whatever the current issue was. Unfortunately the problems never stayed away for long and she would always find herself back in this vicious cycle. It had been that way for quite a while now…
Her eyes suddenly widened. Had Natsuki joined in the activities? Her throat tensed. No. The woman didn't seem the type to be so reckless. The breath left her. Then had Natsuki found her in the midst of a binge? Suddenly she felt quite ill. A wave of dizziness threatened to take her off her feet, but she managed to find the couch before that happened.
Slowly her eyes fell closed, and she breathed out harshly through her nose. That had been the very last thing she had wanted anyone to see. Her brows furrowed. She still didn't fully understand why that woman was asleep in her bed. Her stomach knotted and silently she hoped she had been right about her earlier reluctance to accept that perhaps they had… She shook her head and stood, banishing the thoughts once again.
Meanwhile in the bedroom, the cause for such consternation in Shizuru had begun to wake. One jade eye slid halfway open, followed a second later by the other. They blinked and then fully opened. Leisurely Natsuki pushed up on her palms and released a rather feline like yawn. Her lips curled back to reveal perfectly straight, pearly white canines. After a moment she glanced around the room, one brow high on her forehead. Turning over she sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes.
Where the hell was she? Oh yeah. She had stayed with Shizuru, hadn't she?
Not that she was complaining about the choice. On the contrary she couldn't remember a time she had actually sleptand not simply drifted in and out of blank consciousness. With a gentle clearing of her throat she again surveyed the room. It was empty save for her. As she sat in silence she regarded how easy it had been to make the decision to stay, rather than leave. Actually, her body had made up the decision before her mind had.
Shizuru had fallen against her unwilling, or rather unable, to wrestle anymore with the raging emotions spilling out. At some point between haggard breathes and broken tears she relented the fight, determining Natsuki the winner. She had held onto that fragile woman without regard to any possible apprehension in her own mind. At that moment she wanted nothing more than to take the pain into her and spare the other. It was an odd feeling. Wanting to make someone else hurt less, or if possible not at all. How unlike her, so foreign from her nature was pity. But it wasn't pity was it? No. It was – She struggled to find the word. It was… She released a slow breath as her brows narrowed the slightest bit.
Something shifted inside of her chest and she lifted a hand to caress a seemingly tender spot just above the breast. At some point her bottom lip found itself sucked in between teeth and nibbled carefully. Emerald eyes focused on the lavender sheets still bound around her body and she contemplated the word that filtered across her mind now.
Compassion.
The mere idea seemed so contrived, so very… Alien. Natsuki, who during her short years had never been spared an ounce now so freely, flowed with it for another. It confused her and the expression etched across her face only proved it. After a few moments of self scrutiny she conceded with a noisy snort and threw the sheets from her still dressed body. No use worrying over something she herself at present didn't fully understand.
"Hm." She hummed quietly to herself, and slipped from the bed stretching to her full height. Her worry quickly dissipated into curiosity. Where was the cause for her sudden internal inquiry anyway? A quick glance to the darkened bathroom ruled out that option. The only other alternatives lay outside of the bedroom, which in three long strides she exited.
In the kitchen Shizuru set aside two cups, one for herself and the other for Natsuki. One was filled with a steaming portion of plain black coffee; the other housed a healthy dose of therapeutic green tea. She turned with both now in hand, but stopped mid-step when her eyes met curious jades watching her from the kitchen entrance.
"Nat – "
"What do you have there?" Natsuki said as a small smile curved her lips.
Shizuru swallowed and glanced down to the cups in hand. Her nose twitched and she stepped forward, offering the coffee. "I thought you might like some." She admitted softly, retracting her hand once Natsuki took the cup.
"Mm;" Natsuki inhaled deeply and then took a small sip of the dark liquid. "Thank you." Her smile softened and she leaned against the side of the bar. "I'm actually surprised you're awake. I thought you would be out a little longer all things considered." Her brows dipped together inquiringly. "How do you feel?"
"Ah – " Shizuru started, but then bit her lower lip. What exactly did Natsuki mean 'all things considered'? She was very much so hazy on all of the details revolving around the night before. Slowly she licked her lower lip. Her cheeks reddened slightly when she noticed Natsuki's focus following her tongue. Oh God! We did, didn't we! No, no, no, Shizuru!Her mind blared alarm that a second later reflected on her face.
"Shizuru?" Natsuki asked worriedly. Her cup was set aside and she stepped forward, placing a firm hand on the fair haired woman's shoulder. "Are you alright?" Her eyes flashed with concern.
Underneath that sudden touch Shizuru tensed and averted her eyes. "I'm…" She started to say, but she stopped and brought her eyes back to match Natsuki's. "Natsuki, what…" The words refused to pass her lips.
A slender brow rose on Natsuki's forehead as she watched the internal struggle play out across Shizuru' face. "Hey, calm down alright?" She gave a reassuring nod and squeezed the tender flesh under her hand. "You had a little too much excitement last night. Do you have any aspirin?" Natsuki released the woman's shoulder and glided past her to rummage in a couple of the cabinets. She was well aware of how liquor could leave one feeling the morning after. It wasn't pleasant.
Too much excitement?Shizuru cringed at how that sounded.
Oh how could she have allowed something so stupid to transpire! Her mind waged war within itself and she whimpered. "Natsuki, whatever happened last night…" Again she made a small noise of discomfort, this time at the pain throbbing in the side of her head. "I… I didn't mean…" What the heck was she supposed to say?
Words at the moment were not very forthcoming and it only served to further frustrate her. Crimson eyes rose and immediately found themselves transfixed on the ample rear end housed in tight leather. Heat flamed across her face and she shut her eyes tightly. Ara!Her mind cried out. She brought a hand up and cradled her forehead.
Her skin prickled at the feel of fingertips against her cheek and slowly she lifted her gaze to meet Natsuki who stared intently at her with a look of concern. "I for one don't regret any of it, and neither should you."
Shizuru breathed out slowly. So Natsuki wasn't troubled? A mixture of elation and curiosity surged through her at that moment. It seemed her dark haired counterpart wasn't bothered by what had happened, so it would make sense for her to also not be worried. A contented sigh passed her lips. However there was still the issue that such a complication couldn't be without consequence.
An image of the short haired Chie Harada flashed in the forefront of her mind and silently she whimpered. Guilt washed over her in such a strong wave she had to steady herself by shifting weight onto her right leg.
Even still, her eyes focused on the woman staring at her and she felt a throb in her chest that shot all the way down to her lower stomach. The emotion was so strong she almost stepped forward into Natsuki as a result. Maybe… Just this once I could indulge…She leaned up in an attempt to capture the plump lips not that far from her own. While doing so her eyes lidded and she released a soft, pleasurable sigh.
"Shizuru!"
The sharp sound of her name caused her eyes to snap back open. Natsuki had taken a couple of steps back and now stared at her incredulously. "…Natsuki?" She questioned, perplexity flashing in her eyes.
Natsuki sighed and shook her head. "Tch." She made a little noise of humor. "I think you might still be suffering the after effects of those pills you took last night, Shizuru." With a firm twist she opened an aspirin bottle and doled out two pills, pressing them into the blonde's palm. "Take those." She nodded and then turned to return the bottle where she had found it a moment before.
Shizuru stood firm, brows furrowed in bewilderment. Had she been led to the wrong conclusion after all? But – She had thought… This was quite confusing. "Then Natsuki and I –" Shizuru's bottom lip was nibbled as she pensively spoke to herself. "Didn't sleep together?"
Several bottles of random medicines spilled out across the tiled floor. Natsuki hovered inside of the cabinet, her face aflame. "Wha – Wha – What the hell would make you think that!" She suddenly cried as she turned around, her face still very much so a brilliant shade of red.
"You were in my bed." Shizuru said quickly, eyes slightly wide.
"I couldn't very well leave you alone!" The other argued defensively.
"Why?" The fair haired woman questioned.
Green eyes narrowed. "Do you not remember?"
"Remember what?" Manicured brows rose up expectantly.
Natsuki blew out a heavy sigh and leaned back against the counter, palms pressed into the cool marble on either side. So Shizuru didn't remember anything from last night? Surely she hadn't forgotten… Then again she was pretty out of it. Her brows creased unpleasantly.
Now this was going to be a delicate matter indeed. How to go about it? She chewed the inside of her cheek while pondering a solution. So pulled into her own thoughts she almost missed the subtle clearing of the other woman's throat. Her eyes snapped up to meet curious crimsons and she rubbed the back of her neck as she straightened up.
"Shizuru, when I got here you were…" She needed to choose her words very carefully. "Already pretty far gone." Her nose twitched at the sight of dismay rising in those otherwise unaffected crimson eyes. For a moment she hesitated continuing. But continue she did, Shizuru needed not be in the dark about what happened. "Too much wine, among other things, was the cause." She kept her tone lilting, trying to eliminate any grave tonality.
Shizuru looked away, but the residual look of embarrassment and regret was not lost on her. She had seen the haunted expression just as the other woman turned away. An instant pang of regret jabbed her in the gut, almost forcing out a groan of discomfort.
"Shizuru." Natsuki said the woman's name softly but she had already slipped out of the kitchen and taken long strides through the living room. Unwilling to let her run, Natsuki pursued and quickly caught up. Her hand shot out and snatched hold of Shizuru's, entwining their fingers and effectively bringing her to a stop. "Shizuru." The name was repeated, this time a bit firmer. There was no reply.
"Look at me." It was a gentle request not met with action.
"Shizuru."A flex of their hands together as Natsuki brought the other woman closer.
"Look at me." This time it was a demand, one that left no room for the probability of denial.
Hesitant blood colored eyes ultimately lifted to meet their jade counterparts. Natsuki confidently stared down into them, her gaze firm. After a moment of this, Shizuru felt compelled to look away so she did straight to the floor below.
Natsuki ticked her tongue softly against the roof of her mouth. "Don't worry so much about last night Shizuru, it's the past now. What's done is done." She sounded so very sure of her words.
Strangely, she felt rather like she did when dealing with Tomoe. Not in the same sense of course, but the display of confidence in her was definitely the same. Such a resolute demeanor and of course the unwavering decisive look in those jade eyes… Oh it was quite a sight. That husky voice had even dropped, giving it a more throaty quality as she spoke. All of this served to utterly ensnare Shizuru, who simply could not find a reason to make her feet move.
"It's not so bad, is it?" She reached down and slipped a hand underneath Shizuru's chin, lifting her face so she could again peer into those red depths. "Letting someone see your pain, surely it's better than keeping it in after so long?" At the moment she exuded a strange coolness, though if Shizuru were to listen closely she would be able to hear her heart banging loudly in her chest.
Shizuru had no choice but to admit that Natsuki was correct in her assumption. A certain weight did feel somewhat absent from her today, despite the obvious revulsion pertaining to the circumstances revolving around last night.
What all had she divulged to the stranger before her anyway? Stranger – No, she is no stranger to me.
Natsuki seemed to pick up on the shift in the other woman's way of thinking because a small, victorious smile curved the very sides of her mouth. Progress.
"I'm telling you, something is up here and I intend to get to the bottom of it!" Purple eyes flashed purposefully as Captain Suzushiro crumpled the report she'd been reading in her iron grip and tossed it carelessly aside.
The balled up sheet of paper came to rest at the feet of her counterpart who stood a few feet away, brows neatly pushed together. "Haruka…" She started that voice soft as ever. "Perhaps you are overanalyzing the situation a bit?"
Haruka lifted forcefully from her chair, shoving it back a good two feet. It rocked on its back legs and eventually toppled over. "Listen don't let the wool cover your spies Yukino! I know what my guts are telling me, and they're screaming something's amiss!" She huffed roughly, muscles flexing in her throat and neck respectively.
"Eyes, Haruka." Yukino sighed while making her way behind Haruka and quickly picking up the overturned chair. She reached out and took the rampaging woman by the shoulders, pulling her back into her seat.
The overworked Captain sighed and fell back at the silent request of her partner. She drew a little comfort from the feel of nimble fingers working into the tender muscles of her shoulders. "Trust me, alright? Something is going on." Her head lolled to one side and she grunted as Yukino grazed an especially touchy spot.
Yukino peered down to her partner and a ghost of a smile crossed her thin lips. She couldn't help but secretly enjoy the Captain's little tirades, it left her open to swoop in with relaxing touches such as these. Her stomach tightened when Haruka placed a firm hand over her left and squeezed.
"Haruka?" She hummed questioningly, brows furrowing just slightly.
The Captain pulled gently on Yukino's hand until she was standing in front of her. With a smile she brought the smaller woman down into her lap, noting the light gasp that escaped her lips. That smile broadened when arms encircled her neck immediately. Affectionately she slid a finger underneath Yukino's chin and brought her face closer until their lips met in a brief, chaste exchange.
When it was over they remained close, foreheads pressed gently together. A sudden, hard knock at the door brought both women from their momentary reverie.
Yukino practically leapt from Haruka's lap, smoothing out her skirt and adjusting her hair nervously. The Captain watched all of this with a smirk, loving the fact that after so many years her lover still got flustered at the idea of being caught in an intimate moment by an outsider.
"Come in!" She bellowed once she was sure Yukino was done fussing over herself. "Oh good, I was wondering when you planned to show up…" Haruka smirked.
As the door closed a figure dressed in a black and maroon sleeveless Gi approached, head slightly bowed. "Excuse the tardiness, one of the training sessions ran long Captain." That husky voice had a cold edge to it.
Haruka snorted, not bothering with the excuse. "Let's get down to business, Okuzaki." Haunted plum colored eyes rose to meet intense violets.
The Captain continued. "You're known as the Stealth Ninja of Garderobe, are you not?" She got an affirmative nod from the girl. "Then I have a job that only you meet the requirements for."
Plum colored eyes flickered with intrigue. "Whatever you ask, I will do." Akira answered dutifully, bowing her head just enough for those dark green tresses to fall across her face. As she righted her posture she brushed them back behind her ears. It was a rather girly gesture considering she normally hid her femininity at all cost.
"Good." The Captain nodded. "You leave tonight; here is all of the information you need. If anything seems contradictory to what are in these copies you report it back to me immediately."
She tossed a hefty folder onto the desk and slid it across the smooth surface to Akira. "Dismissed." She gestured to the door casually.
Akira nodded once and turned on her heel, quickly exciting the office with a gentle slam of the door. Yukino turned to face Haruka, a questioning expression reflecting in her eyes.
"I'll get to the bottom of this, one way or another." The Captain stated firmly leaving no room for doubt.
Three days since Natsuki left Garderobe…
"Damn kid is going to get us both tossed into the Bastille. Oh but ask her if she cares!" Icy blue eyes narrowed as they focused on the cellular phone held between twitching fingers. Alyssa snorted, fighting the urge to hurl the device at the nearest tree if only to delight in its destruction.
For two days she repeatedly tried to contact Natsuki, each attempt had been met with the same result; voicemail, and another message left.
Heaving another noisy sigh, she dropped her head back and stared up at the spotless blue. Why had she agreed to let Natsuki leave again? Oh right… She raised a hand and smacked herself across the forehead, groaning afterward.
"You always have to be the fucking hopeless romantic, huh Alyssa?"
She rocked to her feet and shook her head. "No, no, go ahead Natsuki. Go and seek out this mysterious human crush. Hell, while you're at it why don't you bring her back to Garderobe and live happily-friggin'-ever after." Her voice was a whisper, but patronizing nonetheless.
"Stupid!" she ground out loudly between clenched teeth. Of all the times to let friendship get in the way! She should have taken the role of officer and put her foot down. Oh but no, she couldn't do that to her precious Natsuki.
Those beautiful blue eyes narrowed for a split second before retreating behind falling lids. A halfhearted groan puffed past now pouting lips and Alyssa fell back on the rock she'd previously been using as a perch.
-o-
"Hey Sergeant…"
"Hm?"
Student and teacher reclined beside one another, both looking out across the vast expanse of open valley. Curious emerald eyes danced in the moonlight, shimmering warmly in admiration as they finally focused on the striking visage seated to the left.
"Thanks for putting up with me…"
Neatly manicured brows rose slightly. Had she heard the girl right? Twin cobalt eyes turned, reflecting the youthful face of her dark haired student.
"What are you going on about, Kuga?" A lazy grin tugged her lips. "Finally feeling bad for being such a pain in my ass?" That grin widened, showing off pearly canines.
A dark blush painted across the younger girl's cheeks and she swiftly turned her head, plucking a blade of grass between her fingers idly. "No." Her voice was mocking, but only for a second. "Just… No one else took the time…" Her voice faltered slightly as she tried to force out the words stuck in her throat.
Natsuki Kuga was not known for her sentimental side. No, that stuff was completely foreign. Natsuki Kuga was instead known for her utter badassery. Her annoyingly piss poor attitude, thick guarded walls, and fucking icy demeanor that drove everyone away.
Orphaned, and left with nothing street life had made her bitter. Now at 18 she still wrestled with the chains of her past… Despite being 'rescued', she'd never felt more alone, more out of place, and more unsure. Despite all of the hardships and adjustments made over the past year and a half, Natsuki had at least managed to find one single light among a world of shadow.
Sensing the internal struggle, Sergeant First Class Searrs reached over and affectionately patted her student on the back. "Don't worry so much kid. You're doing fine here, and – " She paused a moment, considering her words. "I'm proud to have trained ya."
Hesitant green orbs rose to match those stunning cobalt's. "Really?"
The fact this kid needed so much reassurance made Alyssa's heart hurt. She had trained many HiME over the years, but this one was by far the most emotionally damaged.
Sitting up, she smiled. "Without a doubt Private… Now on your feet! Let's go again and this time;" She smirked and rose to her full height, peering down at twin emeralds. "Give me all you got!"
-o-
Another frustrated sound made it passed Alyssa's lips. She ran a hand roughly through her hair, mussing it as she dialed the familiar number yet again. It rang five times and cut to voicemail.
"Damnit!"
The leave message notice beeped.
"Kuga, this is the last message I intend to leave. I'm not positive, but I think we have a little bird watching… Don't bother calling, just hoof it double time. Oh and – " Her voice thickened. "That's an order."
As she disconnected the call her eyes again searched the tree line. Someone was out there. As a matter of fact she had been sure someone was out there for the past two days. Alyssa might not have had access to the fancy special effects of the HiME Star, but she was intuitive and knew to trust her gut…
And that gut told her…
Watch your back.
Closer and closer to desire, I'm crumbling, spiraling down into an abyss of no return. What is it about this creature that makes my blood burn? Observing her for the past two months, and even closer these past three days has only served to heighten my curiosity, deepen my intrigue. I fear I am becoming addicted to something I cannot have. Yet I've always heard nothing tastes as sweet as forbidden fruit.
Three days had passed since the tawny haired doctor had tried to jack knife off of her balcony. Three days spent watching her, observing her, taking in every subtle change of expression and play of emotion. After the first night Natsuki resigned herself to sleeping on the couch. To her amusement it seemed to bother Shizuru that she had chosen the fold out over a perfectly good bed… But was it her bed or the guest bed, Shizuru wanted her in? Well that… That she wasn't sure of.
Currently, on the morning of the third day, both women sat at the small kitchen table. Shizuru hovered over her normal cup of green tea while Natsuki opted for coffee.
As curious emeralds watched the silent blonde she noticed the looks she was giving her tea. It seemed as if she were trying to interrogate it, which was a hilarious thought indeed.
Natsuki raised a brow and finally bit, leaning over and questioning; "Finding out any information?"
Crimson lifted and matched her gaze, though they looked a little lost. Natsuki raised a brow questioningly. "Ara, Kanin Na, I'm…" It was clear Shizuru had something on her mind, but wasn't quite ready to divulge.
With a noisy exhale of breath Natsuki pushed up from the table and stretched, sighing happily when her back popped pleasurably. "I think maybe we'll both feel a little better after we've had some breakfast." She said with a reassuring nod, cutting Shizuru's sentence short. "What do you say?" She peered down to Shizuru who still avoided her gaze.
Blonde brows dipped slightly. She seemed to seriously consider the proposition before sighing. "I'm afraid I'm a little low on groceries…"
For some reason the utterly dejected way the fair haired woman responded made Natsuki's brows rise in unison. Slowly the very sides of her mouth curled upward. She cleared her throat gently, but the sound quickly distorted into a chuckle. At first the sound was muffled and gruff, though after a moment it blossomed into full blown laughter.
Crimson eyes widened slightly and lifted only to find Natsuki doubled over, eyes sparkling with mirth. To see such a display of hilarity was somewhat infectious. Shizuru couldn't fight the small smile that tugged the corners of her mouth. Eventually her shoulders dropped and she actually allowed a soft laugh to pass her lips.
The dread that through the years had coiled so tightly around her loosened just the tiniest bit at that moment.
After the mini giggle fit was over… Natsuki convinced Shizuru that some time away from her apartment would help ease that overworked mind. Reluctantly she had agreed and soon Natsuki was sweeping her off through the city, taking every back alley and side street she could. Eventually they hopped a train and took it to a rural location just outside of the city…
The young doctor had been a bit put off by the barren surroundings, being so used to life inside of a confining city. However when Natsuki introduced her to a hidden gem in the form of a pancake house, her qualms had been silenced.
Natsuki was rather surprised at the hearty appetite of the tawny haired woman. For her frail size, she could seriously put down some grub. So inspired by this, Natsuki ate vigorously as well. Satiated, and leaned back like an overfull cat, she watched Shizuru polish off her third half-stack of the fluffy cakes, eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Good?" She asked, knowing full well the answer.
Across from her Shizuru nodded, her cheeks showing only a bare tint of red. Wiping her mouth she cleaned up her area, sliding the plate to the edge of the table. "Thank you for bringing me here…" She said softly.
"Feel a little better?" Her manicured brows rose.
"Mm." Shizuru hummed with an accompanying nod. "Natsuki – " A waitress stopped by to refill their cups, and Shizuru watched with a delicately raised eyebrow her openly ogle the raven haired beauty she shared a table with. A soft laugh rolled off her lips, mainly due to how oblivious Natsuki seemed. She'd merely thanked the woman for the coffee and brought her eyes right back to crimson, waiting on the question that had been cut short.
"Natsuki;" She continued. "I… What you were going to tell me the other night;" She noticed emerald eyes shift uncomfortably, but she went on regardless.
"I still want to know." She chewed her lower lip. "I want to know what this feeling is between us, what happened when I woke up with a fever almost off the chart… How…" Her brows furrowed in thought. "How I knew you were hurt, Natsuki."
A sigh.
"Shizuru." Natsuki said softly, fidgeting in her seat.
"Please?" crimson eyes were insistent.
"Ah – " She grimaced and ran a hand through long blue-black locks. "Fine, but in return there are things I want to know too." Her arms rested loosely across her midsection.
Shizuru nodded hastily, leaning forward like an eager child awaiting a bedtime story. Natsuki shifted her eyes, examining the densely packed pancake house. "This isn't a conversation for here; we should go back to your apartment."
Tossing some tender down on the tabletop, she slipped from the booth and headed for the door. Shizuru followed suit and the pair took their leave. Somewhere in the back of the pancake house a certain waitress was rather disappointed…
A short train ride later and both women sat beside one another on Shizuru's couch. The blonde was as eager as before, awaiting the tale with enthusiasm. Natsuki on the other hand was reluctant, her lips finding it hard to open and spill.
"Have you ever heard – " She finally began, chewing the inside of her cheek before continuing. "Of beings known as HiME?"
Shizuru's brows went up. "You mean Valkyries, the beings from childhood stories known to use powers from a mythical star?" She seemed confused as to why the woman would bring up fairytales.
Natsuki scoffed. "Yeah pretty much, minus the stories and mythical parts.
Taking Shizuru's confused expression as a free pass to continue she elaborated. "It's no joke, Shizuru. HiME exist, and I am one of them." She paused again, this time to take a long pull from the water bottle she held between her hands. Her throat had gotten incredibly dry after that confession…
"Impossible." The blonde stated matter-of-factly, shaking her head as if to dismiss the entire idea.
"Really?" Dark brows lifted. "Then explain to me my miraculous leap from your guest bedroom window. Or, the wounds I sustained being fully erased from my body, not a scar to remember them by. I'm not lying to you Shizuru, you asked me and I am telling you. Whether you choose to believe me or not is completely irrelevant."
Beside her Shizuru shifted on the couch, pulling one leg underneath the other. Could she really believe what this woman was saying? It seemed completely illogical. As a practiced surgeon, an educated college graduate, it just didn't compute to believe in magical beings and strange powers. Her brows drew together.
"And you…" Natsuki said with a soft sigh. "Honestly I'm not quite sure how you fit into the equation. Have you always had the ability to heal yourself at such a rapid pace?"
"What?" Shizuru blinked.
"Um, yes as far back as I can remember. Sickness, broken bones, sprains, including the trauma I suffered more recently. My…" She shook her head slightly. "Body has always been quick to recover, abnormally so I suppose." Honestly she had never analyzed it before now, simply writing it off as good luck in genes or something equally easy to digest.
Natsuki sat and took all of this in silently. Shizuru couldn't be a HiME; there was simply no possible way. If she were, Garderobe officials would know about her. There would be no excuse for her being out here on her own, left unaware of her own abilities. No, that wasn't it. Then what was it? She hadn't a clue. "Anything else strange like that?" She suddenly asked, narrowing her eyes toward the blonde. Unfortunately she got a soft 'no' as the response.
"I'm afraid I can't explain why your body does that. Nor can I explain why you felt what I felt that night… All I can say is that somehow it has to be related to the HiME and the Star which affords them their power." She pinched the bridge of her nose, suddenly very confused. Nothing she tried to apply seemed to make sense in this situation.
Shizuru's face fell slightly and she dropped her gaze, nodding solemnly. Yes, she had been given something resembling an explanation but in reality all it served was to create more questions.
Natsuki reached over and placed a hand on Shizuru's calf, rubbing it reassuringly. "Listen, I know someone that would be able to help. Let me…" Oh this was going to be a serious favor to ask. "Let me see what I can do."
She slipped silently off of the couch and retreated to the balcony. From within an inside pocket on her leather jacket she pulled her cell phone. Brows dipped at the display: 7 missed calls, 7 messages. Without hesitation she flipped her phone open, dialing into her voicemail. There was a niggling of worry growing in her stomach.
"Natsuki, this is Alyssa. Call me back."
"Kuga! I need to talk to you pronto."
"Are you serious…You need to call me as soon as possible!"
"Damnit! If I get this voice ma…"
Natsuki skipped to the last message.
"Kuga, this is the last message I intend to leave. I'm not positive, but I think we have a little bird watching… Don't bother calling, just hoof it double time. Oh and – That's an order."
Shit. Shoving her phone back into her pocket she rushed into the small apartment. Curious crimsons watched her from the couch.
"Shizuru, something serious has come up and I have to go." She hurried around, pulling on her thick boots and zipping up her jacket. During this she missed the crestfallen expression over take the blondes face. When she paused at the silence she noticed…
"Listen to me, I promise I will come back and I will bring the answers you're seeking. Right now though, I have to go. Forgive me, I'm sorry Shizuru." Sparing a remorseful look, Natsuki turned and rushed for the door. In an instant she was gone.
That would be the second time Shizuru had been denied further information… But at least this time she had more than before.
"Ah – Ah – Nnn!"
"Mm…Is that all?"
"Ughn-huh"
Tiny patterns of sunlight attempted to penetrate the heavy black out curtains, but it was in vain. The only thing being penetrated in that room had just reached her limit, left panting and sideways on soiled sheets. Beside the splayed, spent creature a cigarette lit, being inhaled swiftly; a much needed drug. Something to counterbalance the one she'd already feasted on all morning.
"You're… Going to kill me…" A husky voice ground out while invading short locks with trembling fingers. Chie pushed up from the bed, reaching only half way before dropping back down face first with a groan.
Beside her there was a throaty laugh and another inhale of smoke. Twinkling blue eyes danced up and down the lithe form of her fuck buddy. It was official after all. They had decided on the title just this morning after meeting up for coffee. How happy Jody had been to get the first initial phone call from the woman she'd met only a short while ago. Of course she accepted the invitation without question. It had been the right course of action, and she had been rewarded handsomely.
With a lick of her lips she reached over and dragged the nails of her free hand down the doctor's back, watching in delight as it arched under her touch.
"La petite mort…"
Jody said sensually, her husky voice causing a shiver along the other woman's body. She smirked and reached over, ashing her cigarette in the dip of Chie's back.
The doctor hissed hotly, cutting her eyes toward shimmering blues. Crawling over she wrapped an arm around the evil seductress's neck, hauling her down for a deep kiss. Smoke filtered from between their attached lips.
Whether she could survive another bout so soon was irrelevant, Jody meant to have her and nothing was going to stop her. Or so she thought. Somewhere in the room there was a sudden and very insistent ringing. It was ignored, but only a fraction of a second after it stopped ringing it had started up again.
Groaning, Chie extricated herself from a very disappointed play partner. Crawling along the floor she searched her clothing from earlier. Tugging a pant leg she finally found the noisy annoyance. Irritated eyes peered down into the glowing display and then she sighed long and hard.
"It's work, I have to answer."
Sliding open the phone she pressed it to her ear. "Dr. Harada." She chimed professionally. After a moment her nose twitched. "I'm on my way, don't touch a damn thing." Her voice had lost the cool, collected edge. Grumbling random obscenities, Chie pulled herself up and began throwing on clothes as quickly as she could manage on still slightly jellified legs.
'She's a doctor huh?' Now that's quite interesting…' From the bed two curious eyes watched Chie as she hurried about. "…Something wrong?"
Not bothering to look to the bed, Chie trudged over and riffled through a drawer. Coming back to the bed she sat down with a sigh and tugged on a pair of socks, followed by her shoes. "Apparently someone broke into my office at the hospital."
Jody's lips pursed.
"The entire place was ransacked." To say that Dr. Harada was upset might have been a serious understatement. "I'm sorry Jody, but I have to go. You…" She cleared her throat and ran fingers through her messy short hair, trying to tame it. "Feel free to stay if you want, but I'm not sure when I will be back."
A little smirk curved the sides of Jody's mouth. She flipped her long mane over her shoulder and swung her legs off the side of the bed. "That's the beauty of us Chie, I can just come back later no questions. Handle what you need to." Her own clothes were brought up to her chest and she sauntered into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Chie hadn't been able to pull her eyes from that plump behind until it was safely behind the door. She shook her head and chuckled. Jody was simple. Chie needed simple right now.
Roughly fifteen minutes later Dr. Harada stood in the center of her office, well what was left at least. The space had been completely turned upside down. File cabinets were on their sides, locks snapped and contents strewn across every inch of the floor. Even her desk had been targeted. The damn thing was actually flipped over, every drawer yanked out. She blinked slowly after taking in the extent of the mess.
What the hell happened?
Apparently no one had seen or heard anything, but that was utterly ridiculous! Still. No one had any answers. With a sigh Chie lifted her half broken desk chair and took a seat. Trying to figure out where to start she stared at the random files on the ground. Well. She would have to sort through the mess and see what, if anything was taken.
'And to think I could be at home buried in Jody… Just my luck.' She snorted and bent forward, picking up file after file.
Time blurred, as did everything passing by. Using the power of the Star, Natsuki made haste toward Garderobe. She wasn't positive what was going on, if anything, but Alyssa sounded serious and she never took that tone lightly.
In a mere couple hours she found herself approaching the massive walls that housed the Compound. Without hesitation she made for the gates. To her surprise she was stopped by two security officers, each of them holding a hand out to stop her. Trying to play it cool, Natsuki put on her most charming smile and held up her hands in front of her chest.
"Hey, what's the problem?" Her hands lowered and slipped into the front pockets of form fitting jeans.
The officers spared her no civility. Instead one went to her left side, one to the right and both of Natsuki's arms were suddenly roughly captured in a pair of vice like grips.
"Tha' fuck!" She growled, immediately struggling.
"HiME Kuga, we ask that you cease your resistance and come quietly! Captain Suzushiro has ordered your immediate presence once on the premises. Simply come with us now and there won't be an issue." The stern tone of the security officer on her right left no real room for argument.
Normally Natsuki wouldn't have hesitated to whip both women into the dirt, but right now didn't seem like the best time. After a moment she grimaced and relented, following the lead of the women on either side of her. Moments later she was being hauled into Haruka's office. She watched the officers that had led her in bow and take their leave, and then her darkened emeralds fell on the Captain.
The woman was seated behind her desk, elbows on the top, hands folded in front of her chin. There was an ominous vibe permeating the space, making it seem much smaller. Captain Suzushiro watched with her bright violet eyes as Natsuki shifted her weight from leg to leg; nervous behavior indeed.
"Kuga, sit."
Natsuki pursed her lips and stepped forward. That was when she noticed in the dim light the other two occupants of the room. Yukino stood behind Haruka's large desk, partially hidden by her counterpart, and in the chair opposite the one Natsuki slipped into sat a very worn-down Lieutenant Searrs.
Her stomach did a flip. Blue met emerald. Blue did not look happy one bit.
"So…" Natsuki started but was instantly cut off.
"Kuga, I am going to ask you a question…" Haruka's voice dropped dangerously low. She paused momentarily, staring the younger woman down from across the desk. "Is it true that the last time you were supposedly out on patrol you were actually in the city, a captive of one of our enemies?"
Each word caused the noose around Natsuki's throat to tighten. She understood now why Alyssa had sounded so frantic.
"Furthermore – " Haruka said sharply. "Is it also true that this second 'security mission'" She event went as far as to use the bunny ear gesticulation. "Was a complete cock-and-bull story used to cover your return to the same city where you had previously been a prisoner?"
Natsuki attempted to speak (lie) in her own defense, but was cut short for a second time. Suzushiro held up a silencing hand, shaking her head leisurely from side to side.
"I'll only remind you once; choose your words carefully because you're not just damning yourself here, Kuga – " The Captain's tongue was a glistening razor wet with Natsuki's blood. "But your First Lieutenant as well."
Any deception the bluenette had formulated in the last thirty seconds went up in smoke and fluttered out the window.
She exhaled roughly and ran a hand through her hair. On any normal day Natsuki would've stuck to her guns and denied everything, but she couldn't justify dragging her Lieutenant's name through the mud in addition to her own. Slowly licking her lips she peered over to Haruka and nodded, mind made up. "Yes, all of its true." Her chest felt awfully tight all of a sudden.
Haruka gave a nod of her head, truly astounded the younger HiME hadn't outright lied to her. Slowly she sat back in her chair and sighed. "You know the position this puts me in, Natsuki?"
Her brows dipped together. "Actually even better… Do you realize that by being captured and then coming back here you could have easily led our enemies straight to our gates?"
Her voice grew more heated as she continued. "Every one of your comrades' lives has been placed in jeopardy because of your absolute lack of common sense!" She slammed her hand down against the top of her desk, heaving a loud sigh in the process. "And the juiciest morsel of all, who the hell is the human you drug into all of this?" That rough voice hitched the slightest bit.
Across from her Natsuki cringed. What was there to say to that? No way would she divulge information regarding her involvement with Shizuru.
"Nothing to say?" Captain Suzushiro snapped. "Then we'll go through the report together. Akira!"
Natsuki's brows drew together in confusion. From the far shadowed corner of the room walked the Stealth Ninja herself, carrying a folder underneath her left arm. It was presented to Haruka accompanied with a low bow. Haruka dismissed the woman with a wave of her hand. As she strode past Natsuki she stared menacingly. Emerald eyes didn't waver, but instead stared back just as viciously. Suzushiro immediately set to flipping through the folder. "Ah – Here we are."
She licked her thumb and flipped another page. "First Lieutenant Alyssa Searrs patrolled the Outerland boarder with no sign of the HiME known as Kuga, Natsuki for three days straight. Several attempts to reach the HiME had been made to no avail. Something had been mentioned of a female human Kuga, Natsuki may have been in contact with. At present name and location are being marked as unknown." The folder was snapped shut.
"So tell me Kuga, who is she?" Haruka's teeth ground audibly after the question had been posed.
Hours of searching yielded nothing. However as often times in life, the monumental slap in the face is only at the end of our journey. Chie rocked back in her chair dumfounded, running a shaking hand through her hair.
Without delay she rocketed from her seat and tore through the corridors, the eyes of several nurses watching in confusion. As she repeatedly stabbed the elevator call button, her free hand feverishly dialed a telephone number. Doors finally chimed, and once opened Chie rushed in jabbing the garage floor indicator.
"Pick up, pick up." She chanted methodically. Voicemail. "Shit!" Redial.
The elevator doors sprung open and Chie raced for her car, dialing the damnable number yet again. "Answer, fuck." She growled, peeling out of the garage. Burnt rubber greased her less than graceful exit.
There was the million dollar query Natsuki had no intention on answering. If she were going to choose one thing to lie about here, it would be Shizuru. She couldn't drag her into this mess, not after all she had already endured.
"There's no one." She snapped curtly.
Haruka smirked, seeing right through the lie. "If you're lying to me I'll see to it you're stripped of your HiME status and left to rot in the Bastille… Make no mistake I'll make sure you have your friend there to keep you company too." She hooked her thumb in Alyssa's direction.
Natsuki's jaw tightened visibly. Alyssa shook her head, silently telling her to keep quiet. Haruka growled at the insolence.
The lieutenant said nothing, merely stared at the floor. Natsuki bit hard into her lower lip, her hands turning to clenched fists at her sides.
Shizuru or Alyssa…
Alyssa or Shizuru…
Honey colored brows furrowed at the sounds of frenzied knocking. She pulled the white cardigan tighter 'round her upper half and hurriedly shuffled toward the front door from the living room. "Who's there?" She called out cautiously.
"Shizuru, it's me open the damn door." Chie leaned heavily against the jamb, waiting most impatiently.
The door opened not a second later and two curious crimsons locked onto a rather worried looking Dr. Harada.
"Chie?" She blinked, moving aside when the woman brushed past her and went straight into the apartment. Closing the door, Shizuru followed. "What's going on…?"
The tomboy was silently examining each room, checking behind doors, under beds, closets, even behind the shower curtain. It was all a little disconcerting.
"Hey." Shizuru said sharply, stepping in front of Chie since it was apparently the only way to cease her search. Eyes softened when they fell on overly concerned honeys. "Can you elaborate as to what you're looking for?"
"I've been trying to call you." Chie sighed. "What do you know about my office being broken in to, huh?" That voice had a hint of accusation behind it.
Immediate offence was taken. "Why the hell would I know something?" Shizuru shot back, a little hurt at such an allegation coming from her friend.
"Well I don't know, perhaps because your files were the only ones missing." Chie narrowed her eyes slightly. "Does this have something to do with the accident you were in, or the blue haired girl that mysteriously saved you?" She stepped forward, closing the gap between Shizuru and herself.
"Answer me…"
A harsh sigh and crimson averted. Chie shook her head.
"Shizuru…"
There was a sudden rapping sound again. Both women looked to one another and then the door. Shizuru hadn't even been expecting Chie, now someone else had shown up as well? She stepped toward the door and called out, but there was no answer. Hesitantly she pulled the handle and swung the entrance open.
From across the hall a pair of dull auburn eyes locked onto hers. The medium sized girl took a step forward, a toothy little grin blooming across her lips.
"Found you."
An arm shot out, hand and fingers wrapping tightly around Shizuru's throat. The tawny haired doctor had no time to react as she was shoved backwards into her apartment, back meeting wall harshly.
She grunted, one eye shut, the other peering at the wildly grinning brute in front of her. There was no ground; the psycho had her hoisted well off of it. The air slipped from her lungs, her throat too constricted to bring in more. Hands frantically slapped, clawed, but to no avail. The being in front of her wasn't relenting.
From the living room Chie burst, shoving all of her weight into the stranger. Nina stumbled to the side, her hold on the tawny haired woman disrupted. As she and Chie wrestled against the counter, Shizuru crawled away coughing.
Nina grunted from the blows meeting her face and side of her head. The other occupant of the house was bent on taking her out, and it was proving to be quite the annoyance. Squaring her stance she pushed Chie back, ramming a fist into her face once she was far enough away to receive the full impact.
Her head snapped roughly to the side, blood pouring instantly from her busted nose. She wasn't going down that easy. With a growl Chie leapt at the stranger again. She was caught underneath the left arm and around the waist though and literally thrown out of the kitchen, landing painfully against the hardwood of the living room. She grimaced, rolling over onto her back just in time to see a boot coming down into her chest. The life was being stomped right out of her.
Shizuru brought a thick fireplace poker down across Nina's back in an attempt to get her away from Chie, but all it proved to do was bring the woman's attention back to her initial target. Sidestepping over the downed house guest, Nina advanced toward the blonde.
She swung the poker out again, swiping for the woman's stomach but missed and found the poker in Nina's hands instead. It was wrenched from her without issue and left to clatter against the floor noisily. One hand found her throat again, the other mangling in her long mane and jerking her head to the side.
"Shizuru Fujino."
The name was a growled premonition of her death, of that she was positive.
At some point Haruka had begun yelling again. The sound was equivalent to nails on a chalk board, and Natsuki's brain throbbed painfully inside of her skull. So many threats were being spat out she wasn't sure anymore what her punishment was going to be. Beside her Alyssa still sat in silence. Neither woman had said anything, which more than likely prompted the tantrum the Captain was throwing.
"Do you have ANYTHING to say for yourself?" Haruka bellowed, eyes narrowed and hands on her hips. "Kuga!" She threw a small notepad at the emerald eyed HiME's head. The item bounced off noiselessly, failing to bring the woman back to reality.
Unbeknownst to the Captain, something was happening inside of the young woman across from her. Natsuki sat forward in the chair, head down, shoulders dropped miserably. A thin sheen of sweat had broken out across her upper lip and brow, steadily beading down with each passing second. An incredible heat rolled off of her in thick waves. Another moment passed and Natsuki was literally panting, her eyes as big as quarters and glossed over.
"Na…tsu…" Haruka began but stopped when Natsuki clutched her chest, winced, and sucked in a labored breath. Curious, and slightly concerned violet eyes narrowed as the Captain started to move around her desk.
Alyssa had picked up on the alarm in her friend as well, taking a knee beside her and pushing back damp mops of blue-black silk from Natsuki's pale face. She looked like she was in shock. "Natsuki, are you alright?" She questioned, unable to keep her voice from quivering slightly.
Haruka stood in front of Natsuki, head to the side observing her. "Don't think you can pull another trick."
Natsuki didn't bite the bait at all. Instead she winced again, then doubled over and hit the floor. Her back arched and she writhed, heat shooting from her core and enveloping her entire body. From between her lips tore a primal howl. At that moment her body lit up with cerulean flame so severe even her eyes glowed eerily. Haruka took a step back, as did Alyssa after rushing up to her full height.
"What tha…" She began, but Haruka cut her off.
"Yukino!"
The mousy counterpart was at her side in an instant, eyes shimmering with alarm. "Go fetch Doctor Sagisawa!"
There was no hesitation; she left through the large double doors in a flash. Haruka knelt beside Natsuki and took hold of her shoulders, trying to keep her from bashing her head off of the floor again. "Alyssa… What the hell is going on with her?" Her voice was a mere whisper.
Lt. Searrs stood wide-eyed, shaking her head. "I… I – I have no idea Captain!" Quickly she rushed over to the small bar area in the back of the office and filled a glass with cool water. Coming back she fell in a heap beside her friend, dabbing some of the liquid on her forehead with a rag.
Nothing seemed to aid the situation. Natsuki shook violently; eyes rolled back and mouth slack. A thin line of drool made its way down the side of her mouth and pooled on the floor. The officers could only sit there helplessly.
As soon as it started, the mysterious spell seemed to stop. Gradually the HiME stopped shaking. Her eyes came back into view, and she shoved at the woman surrounding her.
"Get the hell away from me." She growled fiercely, rocking up to a seated position. Her head spun. She waited a moment before pulling herself to her full height. She wobbled, and had to hold onto the edge of Haruka's desk for support. Strangely her body continued to glow, as did her eyes.
Alyssa and Haruka stood several feet away from a now upright Kuga, wary of getting too close should she collapse in tremors again.
"Natsuki?" Lt. Searrs said softly, her eyes full of apprehension.
"I have to go. Alyssa." Natsuki jerked her head toward her Lieutenant who eyed her curiously.
Captain Suzushiro scoffed and put a hand on Natsuki's chest, pressing her firmly to the furniture. "I don't think so."
Twin emeralds peered down at the invading hand. Slowly her attention rose to the challenging violet eyes of her Captain. "Move." The statement was matter-of-fact.
Haruka's eyes almost bugged out of her skull. "Natsuki!" She growled. Before another word could be said her hand was grasped, and arm twisted up behind her back.
"Ah!" She cried out, being moved swiftly across the room.
Soon she found herself pinned front first against a wall. "What do you think you're doing Kuga? I'll have your ass for this! Get your fucking hands off of me!" She struggled, but was unable to ease the weight that kept her pinned in place.
Alyssa stood wide eyed, mouth agape as Natsuki manhandled the Captain of Garderobe. Shaking off the utter shock she rushed forward and took hold of her friend, wrapping her arms around her waist and attempting to haul her back. It was no use; Natsuki was like a solid cement block.
With a grunt she tried again. "Natsuki! Let her go, this is madness! Let.."
She stumbled backwards when Natsuki did let go.
"Have you lost your fuckin' mind!" Alyssa bellowed as emerald imposingly penetrated her own cobalt's.
"She's in trouble." Natsuki said before turning and heading for the door.
Haruka was on her in an instant. She grabbed onto her shoulder and spun her around, snapping the woman's head to the side with a fist to the cheek. The impact was so intense; Natsuki hit her knees with a grunt.
"The only place you're going is the Bastille." Haruka shook out her arm, rubbing the circulation back into it. Surprisingly it glowed faintly with the power of the Star.
Alyssa watched with equal parts amazement and fury. Only the most controlled, powerful HiME could focus the Stars power into one specific part of their body. She knew about the skill, but until now had never seen it with her own two eyes. The awe sent a shiver down her spine. What pissed her off was that her friend had been on the receiving end of the devastating blow.
Haruka had long since turned her back to the downed youngster. It was a mistake. Astonishingly the bluenette had stood, shaking off the hit as if it had been nothing more than a love tap.
"Alyssa I'm giving you the distinct honor of taking your friend to the Bastille. Oh, and after you're done locking her up… Lock yourself up." Haruka shook her head after she spat the words, utterly disappointed in the actions of one of her most trusted and talented officers.
"Captain…" Alyssa warned, but she'd waited too long.
Fingers wrapped around the sides of Haruka's head, sharp nails digging into tender flesh. Violet eyes widened, a mouth opened to say something, but words turned into strangled cries.
Natsuki loomed behind Haruka, her hands squeezing the Captain's head with crushing force. Her body had been consumed by the blue hue of the Star and glowed furiously.
So much power was being released that Alyssa's flesh tingled hotly and she was forced to step back several feet. It was unbearable; but she couldn't run away.
The enraged, fully power driven HiME growled long and loud. Her voice distorted, coming out dark and otherworldly. She slung her weight to the right, launching the Captain across the room. Her body sailed through the air, crashing through and splintering the wooden floor on impact. In a blur, Natsuki was upon her, squeezing her temples while staring like a psychotic demon into fear riddled eyes.
Beneath her Captain Suzushiro launched herself forward, head butting the HiME across the bridge of the nose. The bone snapped, blood gushed. Haruka grimaced when hands reappeared, but this time around her throat. Warmth dripped onto her cheeks and forehead.
She cringed and jerked her head to the side upon realizing it was the blood from the woman above her. Those hands tightened, choking her and in response she coughed harshly. Her own hands rose, wrapping themselves around Natsuki's wrists and squeezing. As hard as she fought she couldn't make the other woman flinch, let alone relent the hold. Her vision edged closer to darkness. Soon she would pass out. In a frantic attempt to free herself Haruka focused her mind best she could. Slowly her arms began to glow dimly. She was calling the Star's power to a specific place for the second time. Muscles bulged, sweat beaded across her brow and her lips twitched from the strain.
Natsuki grimaced, feeling the pressure about to snap her wrists. Her mind screamed, but her body refused to release its hold on the Captain. Something else was controlling her actions; she could only watch with eyes the size of dollar coins.
Alyssa stepped forward, but the shockwave rolling off of the two women in front of her was too massive. The pressure kept her firmly rooted in place. "Natsuki!" It didn't stop her from crying out though. It didn't stop her from begging her friend to stop. Silently she prayed for help, for the strength to stop this.
The doors to the office suddenly swung open. From the hallway rushed Yukino and Doctor Sagisawa. Natsuki's head snapped up at the sound. Her eyes narrowed and she jerked an arm out, releasing a massive ball of pure energy. The shockwave sent both women flying backwards. Alyssa's eyes doubled in size at the display of raw power.
With Yukino back, Natsuki knew she had to end this little spat quickly. Haruka had an immense amount of power already, but with her counterpart now present… Not even the amazing power Natsuki was exhibiting would be a match.
She released her hold on the Captain and immediately the intense glow of her power dimmed. Sedulous eyes stabbed Alyssa. The stare was brief, but conveyed everything the Lieutenant needed to know. Without hesitation she ran forward, past Alyssa, past Yukino and the doctor, and burst from the building on a clear mission.
Lieutenant Searrs frantically checked on the Captain who was turned over on her side, coughing vehemently. Her face was slowly returning to a normal color, but she had deep impressions on her throat and temples.
"Dr. Sagisawa… Please, come help me!" She commanded fervently.
The doctor came to her side instantly, checking for serious injury to Haruka who persistently shoved them away. She stilled when Yukino came to her side, brushing her matted hair back and speaking in that worried tone.
Positive Captain Suzushiro was alright; Alyssa stood and mutely backed away… Not wanting to allow more distance between them, she tore off in the direction Natsuki had disappeared.
There was no way in hell her friend was going anywhere alone.
A/N –
First and foremost I apologize for the extended wait on this particular chapter. I've been remodeling my house and well… It's not easy. All excuses aside, around page twelve the muse kinda up and left me. I chose to stop writing and wait rather than put out a crap-tastic update. As usual I hope you guys enjoy, thank you so much for reading and please please leave a review and/or comment. It's much appreciated! Until next time, take care!