Disclaimer: I do not own the names or characters of Mai Hime/Otome, nor a lot of the concepts presented within this story.
Rules and Guidelines Note: WARNING! This is for Mature Audiences only as it will contain adult situations that may not be appropriate for minors. This does not apply to every chapter, but as it applies to the story as a whole it will be noted.
Author's Note: To the guest who left this review, "Is shizuru's habit to sleeping around have to do with her demonic blood?" - My response...BINGO!
Enjoy!
A week had passed since the Countess was gravely injured, and they were no where close to having any significant leads. The interrogations turned out to be more of a headache than anything else, but there were two that stood out so they kept a close eye on them. Natsuki was irritated by the fact that they hadn't been able to find any solid information and as such was pacing back and forth in the living room of Shizuru's mansion.
After Shizuru was deemed able to walk about she had returned to her estate. Haruka and Yukino were usually around or within the vicinity of the residency, but on this day the two of them wanted to discuss something with Midori and Yohko. Therefore, they left Natsuki behind to keep an eye on Shizuru.
Ever since their return to the mansion from the HIME building, Natsuki felt as though Shizuru was avoiding her and didn't know why. Out of respect for Shizuru's privacy she kept her distance, only making her presence known when Shizuru telepathically called out to her. She was in the middle of pondering something in mid-stride when there was a knock on the door. Seeing one of the helpers approaching the door, she quickly waved them away prior to opening it.
The person on the other side eyed Natsuki suspiciously before clearing her throat, "I am Tomoe from the noble house Marguerite's, and have come here to meet with the Countess Voila."
Natsuki in the process of inquiring the business behind Tomoe's presence, was interrupted when Shizuru calmly questioned within the recess of her mind, "Who is it Natsuki?"
Natsuki casually replied back, "A Tomoe Marguerite."
"Tell her to meet me in my quarters?" Came the impassive response of Shizuru, and unbeknownst to Natsuki she had become slightly irked by the remark.
In contemplation of a retort, she decided against it, turning to Tomoe she relayed the message, "Shizuru will meet with you in her room."
Strolling into the walkway of the mansion, a smirk plastered upon Tomoe's face she articulated, "I will not need anymore assistance, for I know where her quarters are." Natsuki didn't say anything, because at the moment she was uncertain of the emotions she was currently feeling and didn't want to jeopardize her duty clouded by pathos. She simply watched as Tomoe disappeared around the corner heading without a doubt in her mind towards Shizuru's bed chamber. Natsuki closed her eyes turning her head away, suddenly feeling the need to occupy her mind with other matters.
Shizuru had kept her distance from Natsuki for she didn't want Natsuki to see this aspect of her, this desire that stirred deep within her, slowly clawing its way out. She had hoped she could handle it, but as the days progressed it was becoming harder and harder to keep such needs at bay. She was uncertain of when she would have to confine herself, and in that moment she knew she would have to tell Natsuki of the monster within her very being. It was the thought of how Natsuki would perceive her that made her hesitant, and she didn't know why. For she had been able to tell the rest of her loyal lieges. Shizuru could only hope that the void she had currently placed between them, would aid in Natsuki's safety, the moment she finally succumbed to her raw demonic desires.
She was catching up on her reading when she felt Tomoe and a sudden urge that needed fulfilling at the moment. That was why she had told Natsuki to send Tomoe to her room. The instant she heard a knock, Shizuru answered allowing Tomoe to enter, before adding that she should close the door and lock it so they wouldn't be disturbed.
Tomoe stood by the door a smile of pleasure etched on face, "It has been some time since we last talked. How are you faring Countess Viola?"
Within a split second Shizuru had pinned Tomoe upon the wall, her body pressed up against Tomoe while she whispered into her ear, "I know exactly why you are here, and I know exactly what you want. So do not play coy with me Tomoe dear."
Groaning from the contact, she felt one of Shizuru's hand slide underneath her blouse cupping her left breast, causing Shizuru to smirk. While Shizuru's free hand pinned Tomoe's own hands behind her back. Tomoe gasped, "Shizuru…I…"
"I know how much you want me Tomoe, and how you wish to bite down upon my neck and savor my blood. If you do I will kill you upon the spot you stand right now." Shizuru articulated with warning and little remorse, if she so happened to take that course of action.
Tomoe moaned causing the Countess to grind against her, when she felt Shizuru's sharp nail split her nipple in half. She squirmed from the pain, when she felt a leg pressed in between her own, as Shizuru's tongue glided along her neck. There was no warning at all whatsoever when those canine teeth pierced her neck, causing her to hiss in slight frustration, upon being dominated by none other than the red-eye vampire queen.
In that period of interaction, Shizuru had casually shimmered them out of their clothes, as she glided them across the room. Before roughly throwing Tomoe upon the bed. Shizuru was over taken with the desire to quench an urge and she needed an outlet at the moment, causing her to be intimately driven. She knew how Tomoe liked it brutal, so she allowed her raw sexual need to sedate that voracity.
Tomoe writhed underneath her upon the bed, while she glided her leg back in between Tomoe's. Pressing her knee upon the sex, she was not surprised to find it slick with wetness. Licking her lips Shizuru lowered her mouth down upon the breast taking the bleeding nipple into her mouth before sucking down on it. Tomoe gasped out loud with sheer excitement, pleading Shizuru for more. She smirked, while she flicked her tongue over the nipple causing blood to ooze from it into her mouth, relishing the copper like taste. Her other hand glided unhindered down Tomoe's lean stomach before brush upon a mound of hair. Grabbing the hair coarsely, she pulled at it causing Tomoe to cry out, which made her elated to hear such nose. Satisfied with the bleeding nipple, she moved her mouth over to the other one, biting it till it trickled with blood.
Spreading Tomoe's legs with her own, she slid her hand down in between them, finding what she wanted. Feeling excitement stirring between them, Shizuru quickly plunged three fingers inside her prey, causing Tomoe to arch, trying to allow her body to incorporate the three intrusive fingers of the Countess. Tomoe groaned tossing her head to the side, her hands clenching the sheets beneath her, while sensations rocked her body relentlessly. Shizuru pumped quickly and roughly inside Tomoe making her reach her euphoria with ease.
Desiring a repeat of what just occurred, she was in the process of continuing when Natsuki's voice rang within her mind causing Shizuru to pause, "If you require my help, I am outside in the gardens."
Shizuru didn't reply, because she didn't feel the need to respond at the moment. For she was preoccupied and focus solely on sedating her cravings, which took precedent over everything else. Turning her attention back upon her quest, Shizuru moved in between Tomoe's legs, pressing her tongue on Tomoe's core taking advantage of the liquid dripping from it. Licking her lips, she felt elated when she tasted blood and knew she had been anything but gentle. They spent the next four hours indulging in each others presences, when Shizuru grew tired of screwing Tomoe.
She promptly placed her spell upon Tomoe, who stirred an hour later pondering what had occurred. Shizuru had informed her that the two had talked and Tomoe seemed rather tired, so she had suggested her to rest awhile before leaving. Tomoe was suspicious but said nothing and allowed Shizuru to lead her outside the mansion. The two bid one another farewell before Shizuru made her way back inside, closing the door behind her.
Massaging her temples, she did not feel the least bet sedated after ravishing Tomoe. With out any indication, she suddenly felt an overwhelming ache to quench her hunger once again. Realizing the significance of the cravings she was experiencing at that moment, she knew she needed to confine herself immediately. However, before she could take the necessary course of action, she noticed one of the helpers and her pupils glazed over turning in to slit. Shizuru was upon the helper before the helper could grasp what was happening. By then it was too late.
Natsuki heard a cry and was within the living room in an instant. Stopping at the horror she saw before her, the raven hair girl stood there perplex. Uncertain as to what was going on, could only question in confusion, "Shizuru, what have you done?"
Shizuru was kneeling down upon the helper, whose body had begun to smolder. Her hand bloody and holding the helpers heart to her mouth while she continued to consume it. Turning around she looked at Natsuki, while licking her fingers she snarled, "Ah Natsuki, would you like to join me for an afternoon snack. It is quiet delicious."
Snapping out of her stupor, "Who are you and what have you done to Shizuru?'' Natsuki inquired in dismay.
Shizuru laughed lunging at Natsuki who dodged by moving to the side. While she licked her lips, slurping, "I am just satisfying my hunger, it is quiet normal, Natsuki. Do you not like the person I am now?" Pausing briefly to see if Natsuki would respond, but when there was no response she added, "Pity"
Since Shizuru acquired her injuries, Natsuki had been more cautious and carried her sword draped upon her back in case of an emergency. So here she stood trying to grasp the predicament before her. Hesitantly, she gripped the handle of her sword voicing with turmoil evident in her words, "What are you saying? This can't be you."
Her mouth curving into a smirk, Shizuru licked her fangs verbalizing with delight, "My that was tasty, but I wonder how your heart would taste Natsuki? It is quiet sad that no one ever told you about me. About the one you are supposed to be protecting from harm's way. How dangerous I can be, when left unchecked? They should have warned you, that rather than safeguarding me you should have been guarding yourself from me."
Natsuki knew she had to stay calm, so she could rationalize things. Unfortunately, in her moment of contemplation, she was thrown across the room by Shizuru, who was beside her when she hit the ground. Grunting from the impact Natsuki dissipated into mist form, solidifying a safe distance from the one person she had sworn to protect. Shizuru quickly turned around tilting her head exclaiming, "I was born because I have demonic essence inside me Natsuki. The demonic blood allowed the pure strain of vampire blood to coexist within my body. Without it, I wouldn't be in existence." She studied Natsuki for a bit noticing the internal conflict within her, before allowing the information to sink in by adding, "Demons can not sire mortals like vampires and werewolves, cause their blood is too toxic to be ingested. And in so could only reproduce by means of intercourse, by implanting their seed deep within the unsuspecting human female. When the offspring reaches maturity with in the womb, it kills the mortal host in order to be conceived."
Shizuru noticed that Natsuki had slowly unsheathed her sword, uncertainty still etched upon her face, which allowed her to continue disclosing, "Even though demons are sexually driven to maintain their numbers, such means have been outlawed for over a millennium now. Yet, there are a few humans who have that demonic taint within them and when the right circumstances are met, such a being as myself is conceived. The mortal that my father was infatuated with, had that within her and that was how I came to be. Fascinating isn't it Natsuki, that the first person I killed was my own mother."
Suddenly feeling the weight of the sword upon her hands, Natsuki swallowed the lump in her throat. It now became a matter of whether she could or couldn't kill Shizuru, if she had to protect the innocents from her. Shaking her head she looked at Shizuru who smiled wickedly at her, when Shizuru's right hand opened to reveal the ningata starting to mold into the grasp of her hand. Natsuki's heart sunk the moment the ningata completely solidify, for she had recalled Shizuru saying, she was the only one who could use such a weapon.
Reaching out to Haruka telepathically she stated but one name, "Shizuru." Hoping that in itself, was enough to relay the urgency of the predicament, prior to turning her full attention towards the Countess. Exhaling a breath of helplessness Natsuki articulated with distress, "I will not hurt you Shizuru."
"Well then that should make removing your heart rather easy. I've never consumed a human, werewolf, vampire heart before. I'm pretty sure your heart will be exquisite. Which means I must consume it with utmost enjoyment, or I would bring shame upon your existence now wouldn't I Natsuki." Responded Shizuru with pleasure dripping from her every word.
Gripping her sword tighter, Natsuki stood her ground when it appeared Shizuru simply vanished. Immediately recognizing the movement, she managed to par the first swing directly in front of her. But Shizuru had such speed she had not seen that her second attempt to block the attack from behind fell short causing the ningata to slash across her left bicep. She faltered to the ground attempting to stand when Shizuru attacked again, causing her to roll, to the side. With swiftness Shizuru had swung down catching Natsuki's right thigh with the tip of the ningata. Softly cursing underneath her breath she tried to get up, failing miserably. The cuts weren't small cuts, they were big enough to cause Natsuki to bleed out if she left it unattended. With her speed and utilization of the ningata, Natsuki knew her charge was a formidable foe, thus requiring her to employ her own abilities, hoping it would suffice.
Natsuki was fully aware that Shizuru was currently just toying with her, for she had managed to reach the wall. Using it she stood up, pleading to the Countess who had lowered her weapon down in anticipation for her next attack, "Stop Shizuru, this isn't you. Listen to me, I know you, you don't want to harm others."
Shizuru slightly tilted her head like she was contemplating something before stating with excitement, "Perhaps, but I have this craving and desire to consume hearts at this point in time, and the thought of eating yours makes me tingle."
Her attempt at a civil negotiation with Shizuru was halted when the door was busted open. Yohko barged into the living area yelling out Natsuki and Shizuru's name, but stopped upon seeing the predicament before her. Shizuru turned her gaze on to Yohko the tip of her lips curving in delight, "Oh my, a human heart sounds rather tasty too."
Simply by the remark, Natsuki was able to anticipate Shizuru's next course of action, immediately placing herself in front of Yohko. Barely a second afterwards Shizuru's ningata came swinging down upon them. When Natsuki softly uttered, "Forgive me Shizuru," subsequently in haste raised her right hand up, freezing Shizuru on the spot.
She swayed on her feet when she felt a hand steady her. Turning to see who had assisted her, she saw concern within Haruka's eyes. Natsuki blinked a couple of times before stating, "I don't know how long we have until she frees herself. I suggest you try something to subdue her for the meantime."
Yohko who finally snapped out of her state of shock blurted, "Natsuki you're bleeding everywhere."
Natsuki grunted, trying to blink away the darkness starting to consume her vision, when she sternly demanded, "I expect someone to tell me what the fuck is going on the moment I wake, or so help me I'll kill everyone one if I have to, to get some answers." Directly afterwards Natsuki lost consciousness.
xxxx
She abruptly sat up and hissed, when a familiar voice greeted her, "Yo pup, glad to see you're up. However, try not to move about to much, your wounds just sealed over."
Upon hearing the familiarity of the voice, Natsuki turned her head around slightly surprised to see her within the room, "Juliet?" Then the recollection of why she was there in the first place made her inquire, "When did you get back, and what of Shizuru? Can someone please tell me what is happening here?"
Juliet sighed, "Calm down pup, one thing at a time. I was in the vicinity when I was contacted and came back immediately. Shizuru is still currently under your frozen ice cap. By the way how long does that stay frozen?"
Mulling over the possibilities to the question, she finally divulged, "Depends, it can last for eternity or melt with time, and with Shizuru's capabilities, I would say a few hours to half a day at the most. Now are you going to tell me what is wrong with Shizuru?"
Juliet messaged her temple before verbalizing, "Its complex pup, and the only one who knows the full story is Shizuru, for the rest of us weren't even sired yet. You're probably aware that Shizuru has demonic blood within her, right?"
Gesturing that she was aware, Natsuki replied with concern, "Yeah I read about it, but it was only speculation. That is until she confirmed it for me, after attacking me. Can't she control it with Carmilla's blood?"
"Well she can, but when she is compromised like she was a week ago, her demonic part takes over. As her hunger for blood causes her to ingest hearts, mortal or immortal. The heart apparently appeases the rage and wish to slaughter, that would have consumed her if she didn't devour that particular anatomy. It's not like she's not aware of what she's doing, she's fully aware, she just can't control it. So rather than killing hundreds upon hundreds, she kills a handful and consumes their hearts." Answered Juliet in all seriousness.
Thoroughly consumed by the topic, Natsuki had to know if there was any way to solve this predicament without harming Shizuru. She needed to acquire all the information she could get, which caused her to bluntly implore, "What kind of demonic blood does she have?"
Yohko walked in at that moment stating, "Kiyohime, a serpent type demon. That is why her pupils turn into slits, when the cravings become unbearable for her to handle. You should be aware that Viola's crest is a serpent of eight heads, because it is a constant reminder for Shizuru, of what she can become."
"Well is there any way to stop her or get rid of the demonic blood?" The impatient aspect of Natsuki was now starting to show, or perhaps it was something else. Yet with the situation at hand, the other two individuals did not wish to speculate upon the cause of her outburst.
Not wanting to rile Natsuki up any further, Juliet calmly replied hoping to tone the tension in the room down a notch, "At the moment, we can only subdue her until her rage and thirst calms. Which is no easy task as we haven't dealt with her in this state ever before, so we honestly don't know where to begin. Or like you stated, find a way to rid her of her demonic blood."
Natsuki turned towards Juliet looking hopeful, when Yohko clarified, "It's not that simple. Having another blood source within her just to eliminate another isn't going to solve the problem. It just might cause more trouble than it's worth."
"What? What might cause a problem?" Natsuki pleaded with haste, as though if she did not get her answer soon the possibility would vanish.
Juliet shook her head answering, "Look pup, the only way to rid demonic blood is with werewolf blood. Haven't you noticed that there aren't any demons near the werewolf territory, but they're crawling around everywhere just outside Shizuru's domain? Come on you're not that dense."
It actually made sense now that she thought about it. She had found it odd that the demons were so quick to retreat after Reito's demise, when she had threaten their existence in her wolf form. Even though she was injured, and Shizuru seemed more intimidating than her at the time. Pushing the matter aside she verbalized with slight ignorance, "I just thought they preferred one over the other," before exclaiming, "but that's not the point of our discussion right now. Tell me how werewolf blood eliminates demonic blood?"
The thought in itself was giving Yohko a migraine so she grabbed the nearest seat prior to explaining, "Werewolves aren't necessarily dead like vampires. They still have a human trait to them that keeps their heart beating, while their body in a sense continues to emit heat. The werewolf blood actually consumes the demon blood or core as though it were nutrients required for it to survive. That's why werewolf blood is so deadly to them. Demons only prey upon humans and vampires because they don't have that werewolf enzyme in their blood, which seeks to eliminate the demonic essence."
Natsuki allowing the information to process propositioned, "Well why don't you just inject Shizuru with werewolf blood?"
Shaking her head in disappointment, Juliet blurted, "Are you mad. It may be that Shizuru has Carmilla's blood, but if you inject any lesser blood into her regardless of whether it's demonic or werewolf. You're going to make her rabid. She's able to control her insatiable desire to kill everyone because her vampire strain is the purist. If it was any other, she most likely would've succumbed to her demonic essence and been put down a long time ago."
It suddenly hit Natsuki as she recalled something Duran had said when she was training with him. He had told her then, "There will come a time in which you must make a choice pertaining to Shizuru's overall welfare. Regardless of the choice you make there will be consequences, the question is will you be able to handle the outcome of your decision." She didn't understand what he meant then, but now she did and it made sense.
Natsuki was about to say something when Juliet cursed, "Oh for fuck sake, we're screwed."
Yohko already knowing what the answer was, yet required confirmation asked, "What is it Juliet?"
Glancing at Natsuki then Yohko, Juliet relayed the information she had received from Haruka, "Shizuru's free, and she's killed two already. Haruka is hot on her trail. It appears she's trying to break the guards set in place by her, for her, while she is in her current state. In an attempt to enter into the other realm. If Shizuru manages to break them, all hell will rain down upon them earthly mortals."
Natsuki struggled to get off the bed when a hand was placed upon her shoulder. Yohko shook her head sternly stating, "You are hurt and should stay in bed."
Brushing Yohko's hand off with ease, Natsuki pushed herself off the bed answering, "No, I have to stop her. We all know I am the only one who can do this."
"It's true you have Dracula's blood in you Natsuki," Juliet stated, as she moved in front of Natsuki trying to reason with her, "However, now is not the time to play hero, pup." She was in the process of subduing her, when Natsuki was gone just like that, causing Juliet to groan, relaying the message to Haruka, who was not the least bit happy to receive the intel.
Haruka had turned the corner just in time to see Natsuki solidify from her mist like form, limping while she approached Shizuru. She was about to stop Natsuki, when Natsuki looked straight at her. Within her eyes, Haruka saw, compassion, concern, determination and above all else guts with a hint of something lingering there that she couldn't quite place a word upon it. All Natsuki wanted at the current moment was this once chance. Gesturing in understanding Haruka stood back a safe distance from Natsuki and Shizuru. For the moment she would observe.
Natsuki needed to grab Shizuru's attention so she called out, "Hey Countess, you wanted me, well here I am."
Shizuru quickly spun around her eyes widen with surprise, delight clearly showing upon her face, "Well, well if it isn't Natsuki. That was a very naughty thing you did to me, and I shall have to punish you for it."
"I couldn't let you go having all the fun now could I." Natsuki replied impassively.
Eyeing Natsuki cautiously she took a step towards her, "You've come to play with me, but you are unarmed. I would've thought you'd put up more of a fight."
Natsuki lifted her hands up and outwards away from her sides inquiring, "Tell me is this what you want?"
Taking another step towards her target, Shizuru answered, "If you are signifying to you. Then yes, I wish to consume your heart. That ever gentle beating heart of yours, yearns for my fangs as well Natsuki."
Natsuki shook her head for that was not what she was implying too, "No, I want to know if you are satisfied with your existence as such."
"Does it look like I enjoy this, Natsuki." Snarled Shizuru while her pupils contracted into slits.
Natsuki inwardly nodded, having received the answer she wanted, attempted to reason with Shizuru's rational side, "Then let me help you."
Chuckling in annoyance Shizuru inched another step closer, "You help me. You who were so adamant about revenge wants to save me now. Sadly though you cannot help me, for I am damned Natsuki. Hoping for salvation when is but a foolish notion."
Natsuki exhaled, trying to remain composed, while she vocalized in question, "Then why. Why Shizuru do you continue fighting?"
Slowly closing the distance between the two of them Shizuru shrugged, "I do it because it I find enjoyment from those pity human's everyday to-day struggle. And amusement from those of us who are condemned, yet continually seeking some means of saving."
Natsuki knew that was a lie or why would she had saved her life all those years ago or strive so hard in achieving some means of serenity and in disagreement shook her head, "Wrong, you do it because you care, even though you are damned. You wish those around you the best possibility of living in a peaceful existence, Shizuru. Even though you've never known that existence, you still hope for it."
In anger by Natsuki's speculation which wrung true within her. Shizuru appeared right before the raven hair girl, grabbing her by the throat snapping, "And what of it Natsuki. If that is what I yearn for, then what do you want?"
"Your... happiness." The only words she could cough up as she gurgled, feeling the pressure upon her neck.
Shizuru furrowed her eyebrows, dropping her on the ground studying her, while Natsuki tried to loosen her neck muscles. Feeling the rage consume her again, she brought forth her ningata and swung down, missing Natsuki who had barely managed to roll away from the blow.
Natsuki's action had caused the wound on her leg to reopen. So she ripped off the lower part of her t-shirt and tied it as tightly as she could upon her leg, hoping that would stem the blood flow enough to allow it to heal. Before turning her head around to gauge Shizuru. Who, having gotten rid of her ningata was just standing there, anticipating Natsuki's next course of action. Breathing heavily, she pushed herself up to stand in front of Shizuru articulating, "I swore to protect you and I will uphold that oath even if it means I have to protect yourself from you."
Feeling the ache clawing within her, Shizuru slightly tilted her head saying with desire and pleasure seeping into her words, "I will rip out your heart with my bear hand and consume it in front of you, as your life ebbs away Natsuki."
Natsuki felt an ache in her chest upon hearing Shizuru's comment and thought if the sacrifice was necessary then it would be worth it declared, "I will see to your safety even at the cost of my life, Shizuru. Not because of some oath or the mere fact that I am of your blood, but because I want to."
Shizuru lightly arched her eyebrow in contemplation, curious by the remark, uncertain as to what it was implying. With that slight hesitation, Natsuki placed her right hand upon her mouth biting into her wrist. Her own blood now coating her fangs, she transformed into a wolf seizing the opportunity to pounce upon Shizuru. Natsuki bit down, her fangs puncturing Shizuru's neck, deep enough to leave her mark. When she felt an ache deep within her chest, causing blood to seep out of her mouth. If her life ended here, she had accomplished the task she wanted.
The moment Natsuki had tackled her in wolf form biting into her neck, Shizuru had plunged her right hand deep within Natsuki's chest destroying her left ribcage. Her hand had enclosed itself around Natsuki's heart in the process of retrieving it, when she felt a pulse, not within Natsuki's chest but her own. Her hand froze where it was, while blood not of hers covered her neck wound and flowed down her chest. Shizuru's body had begun to steam as if it was cleansing itself of some foul illness, and then it hit her as to what had transpired.
While clarity started to return into Shizuru's mind, she heard a groan as Natsuki's wolf form dissipated into her human one. Turning her head downwards, she noticed her hand deep within Natsuki's chest. Collapsing upon her knees with Natsuki in her arms from shock, she removed her hand causing the raven hair girl to cry out in anguish.
Shizuru in a state of disbelief and horror at the sight before her, could only question in despair, "Natsuki, what… What have I done?"
Slowly losing consciousness Natsuki reached a hand up cupping Shizuru's cheek, uttering but a simple phrase, "You're fee now," before her hand went limp, faltering to Shizuru's side.
Trying to staunch the blood flow from Natsuki's chest Shizuru screamed in agony, "Natsuki!" And for the first time in so many centuries cursed, "Gawd damn it Yohko, where are you Yohko? You can not let Natsuki perish. She cannot fucking die!"
Shizuru protectively cradling Natsuki's figure continued crying for aid, but due to her body succumbing to the changes of Natsuki's blood, lost consciousness shortly after Natsuki.
As Yohko, Midori, Yukino, Juliet and a very stunned Haruka came running towards the two fallen vampire, a wolf appeared before them causing them to pause in their stride.
The wolf who Yohko, Haruka and Yukino recognized and had met before stated verbally, "It would seem I made it just in time."
Midori was the first to speak out of surprise, "You can talk, I thought werewolves couldn't talk when they're a wolf."
Yohko feeling the urgency articulated with haste, "We don't have time for introductions, he's Natsuki's liege… I think for the moment anyways. We need to get these two some help. I need blood transfusions right away, regardless of whether Natsuki wants them or not. Shizuru will have our heads if she dies on us."
Duran took a step forward answering, "If you will guide the way, I can aide with the transfusions for both of your patience, as they are of my blood."
Juliet taking Natsuki in to her arms, while Haruka cradled Shizuru in hers. The group without a moment to spare headed towards the medical bay with Duran following closely behind. Any questions about the remark could be asked later.
xxxx
Duran had turned into a wolf pup in order to move more freely around the room and the medical bay, after donating some of his blood to help replenish Natsuki's. He also told them it was best to keep Natsuki and Shizuru within the same room, just in case there was any trouble that might occur. He had then taken the time to explain certain details pertaining to the comment he made prior to aiding them with Shizuru and Natsuki. They were all pretty much shocked, and didn't believe the story, save Haruka who had witnessed with her own eyes Natsuki's transformation. She had managed to persuade them with a very explicit showing of guts and enthusiastic hand gestures. So here was Duran, currently curled up on the left side of Natsuki's bed, glad the explanations had been taken care of.
Shizuru had stirred awake, sitting up in bed uncertain of her surrounding. Looking around, she inspected the room she was in until her eyes fell upon her green eyed savior and a small wolf pup nestled beside her, causing her eyes to widen in thought. She surmised that she was in the medical bay of the HIME building.
She was about to call out telepathically to see where everyone was, when Chie, Aoi and Yohko walked into the room. Chie upon seeing her awake smiled in relief, "Hey princess, glad to see you're awake. Rest assured you've only been out for a day. You two both had us worried, but Duran said you'd be fine. Natsuki might take longer to heal, due to the chest wound. Her ribs require time to regenerate, but with Duran's blood it should be quicker. However, she'll be bed ridden for some time."
Shizuru turned her head to the pup stating in astonishment, "I'm presuming that pup is Duran."
A little stump by the remark, Aoi curiously inquired, "Have you not seen him in this form, Shizuru?"
Shizuru slowly shook her head, "No, I'm afraid I have not."
Chie pondered briefly prior to verbalizing, "But he runs around in the forest behind your mansion all the time. Aoi and I have met him a few times while we were…umm…well..."
Inwardly smiling from comprehension, Shizuru saved Chie from revealing information she might not wanted to by voicing, "I see. It would appear that while in this form Duran's presences is concealed and therefore can't be detected."
Just then Duran stirred awake feeling his presences was required. He stood up on his four paws and shook out his slumbering body, before jumping off Natsuki's bed. Calmly strolling towards Shizuru's bed he paused, gauging if he could make the jump or not. Satisfied with the calculations in his head, he moved back a few paces before running and jumping onto Shizuru's bed. Applauding his own triumph while everyone in the room was too speechless to say anything, he climbed on top of Shizuru to stand directly in front of her.
Shizuru was impressed, with a smile of amusement upon her face looked back at Duran, "Greetings again Duran."
Kneeling down on his hind legs sitting in her lap, Duran spoke verbally so that everyone else could hear, "Due to circumstances, I require some alone time to talk to you about what has occurred. But we can do so after your loyal subjects have discussed what it is they need to discuss with you and your doctor deems you okay."
Doing a three sixty, he looked at everyone to make sure there was no misunderstandings or inquiries, before lying down in Shizuru's lap. Not fully attuned to what was going on, Shizuru simply agreed before addressing Aoi and Chie about their presence. They informed Shizuru that in a month's time Alyssa and Miyu were going to pay her a visit to discuss certain matters of importance with her. She noticed that this particular information did not go unnoticed by Duran, when his ears perked up briefly. Soon after they left, Yohko ran her test and seemed rather enthusiastic about collecting Shizuru's blood along with the rest of the data she was getting. Too engrossed with all this new scientific knowledge she was acquiring, Yohko smiled, simply stating what they had already figured out. And that Shizuru with time would acclimate to the new wolf blood in her system, before leaving the two of them in private.
Duran feeling the calm and silence turned around towards Shizuru asking, "Do you recall anything that happened Countess?"
As though it was a natural response, Shizuru gently ruffled Duran's head causing him to squirm in delight when she replied, "I nearly killed Natsuki when she attacked me…" it dawned on her while she grabbed her neck feeling two puncture wounds upon it adding, "no she bit me, but why?"
Gesturing in understanding, Duran laid back down feeling that this particular explanation would take some time, before answering, "She saved your life, by cleansing the demonic essence within you. She was the only one who could've saved you, if it was anyone else, you'd be dead or killing innocents by the thousands."
Shizuru swallowed, but was still slightly confused could only murmur, "How?"
Duran pondered briefly prior to expressing, "Remember when I told you how Natsuki has both pure strains of vampire and werewolf blood within her, which creates a harmonious coexistence between the two and the human blood." Duran waited until Shizuru nodded in understanding then continued, "Well because you have within you the pure vampire blood, she bit you knowing that you wouldn't go mad for she had the pure werewolf blood within her."
Shizuru contemplated what she was told before stating, "I recall her biting her wrist before she bit me, and I don't understand why?"
Duran whimpered, causing Shizuru to continue running her hands along his fur, when he responded, "She needed her werewolf blood to go directly into your blood veins, so that was why she bit her wrist before biting you. She had no need of your blood. Even if you'd bitten her, her blood might not had made it into your veins fast enough. Natsuki chanced her safety in freeing you from Kiyohime the demonic taint within you. You are no longer the Shizuru you were yesterday."
It suddenly became clear to Shizuru, causing her to pause her action of petting Duran, verbalizing, "Is that why my heart beats now, it was what halted me from pulling out Natsuki's heart from within her chest."
Duran standing up on all fours again shook himself out, looking straight at Shizuru, "As you are of Carmilla's blood line you are now a part of my blood line Shizuru. I have trained Natsuki well in the matters of being a werewolf, and you will learn from her."
She was about to reply when Natsuki cried out in agony. Shizuru turned her attention towards Natsuki, noticing Natsuki's whole body tensing up, her hands grabbing the bed sheets. Shizuru felt a deep ache within her chest, when she grabbed Duran into her hands throwing her legs over the side of the bed closing the gap between the two beds. She could see the crease of pain upon Natsuki's face as she placed Duran down beside Natsuki. Shizuru cupped Natsuki's cheek with one hand leaning down she whispered, "It's going to be okay now Natsuki. I'm right here."
When Natsuki cried out again in pain, Shizuru gently laid her upper half upon Natsuki in fear that she might thrash about, asking, "What's wrong Natsuki?"
In her subconscious state Natsuki uttered, "It hurts, Shizuru… gawd it hurts."
Shizuru sat up, uncertain where the pain was when Duran hopped to the other side and trotted up the bed stopping by Natsuki's shoulder stating, "It'll take a while before it heals. Her ribs require time to regenerate, so she's going to be in constant pain until it mends. Even afterwards it'll probably cause her some distress when she applies too much tension upon that area. It was the same with her hand. She kept crying out in the middle of her sleep while it healed."
Shizuru exhaled a breath of frustration, pulling the sheets down to Natsuki's waist she gasped in sorrow, helplessness and anger at herself. Natsuki's chest was bandaged, but Shizuru could see the blood stain of where she had pierced Natsuki's chest in trying to remove her heart.
She watched while Natsuki's expression lightened slightly, before covering the raven hair girl back up with the sheet. Sighing Shizuru apologized, "Forgive me Natsuki, for bringing you harm, when all you've tried to do is protect me. You gave me new life, as the blood flowing within me is from you. So as my blood is bond to you, I will see to it that you are safe as well Natsuki."
Duran tilted his head studying Shizuru momentarily before he was satisfied, verbalizing, "I will leave her in your care then Shizuru. I would not want to overstay my welcome. If you ever need me, you but have to say my name now. Blood of my blood be well."
Shizuru watched while Duran trotted towards the end and jumped off the bed only to vanish in mid jump. Pulling a nearby chair to sit down on, Shizuru turned her attention back to Natsuki. Leaning down she gently kissed Natsuki on the forehead. Before resting her head gently down on to Natsuki's chest, not wanting to cause the green eyed tribreed any discomfort. She closed her eyes feeling exhausted and was about to allow the silence to lull her to slumber. When she heard the unison of two pulses emanating from Natsuki's heart and hers, causing her to smile tiredly stating to no one in particular, "It would appear that our hearts beat as one now, Natsuki."
To be continued...
How many of you saw that coming? Some times love hurts...like literally hurts. How one overcomes that ordeal, depends upon the individuals who are in that relationship. Now Shizuru, what are you going to do?
