Title: The Chains That Bind
Author: Centauri2002
Rating: NC-17 (duh!)
Disclaimer: Kannazuki no Miko, its characters, locations and story are copyright to Kaishaku, etc. I am merely borrowing them. All other aspects, including original characters, are copyright to me.
Note: I have changed a few aspects of the story and also mixed a few concepts from both the manga and anime.
Chapter Note: I had to take a day's break from writing yesterday as I'm finding I'm tiring myself out from all the writing I've been doing. Seriously, my brain's been frazzled and I've been having problems thinking of things to write. Plus, with me working on my new website, I just can't find enough hours in the day to fit everything I want to into it. Ah well. I'm still planning on updating a story every day though. Hopefully, it'll be Sacrifice one day and TCTB the next. Unless I get fed up with one and just decide to write two chapters in one go. Anyways, I'm rambling. Hope you enjoy this instalment. :) Oh, and sorry I haven't been replying to everyone's reviews individually... the lack of time doesn't help with that either. :( I promise I'll do better!
Chapter Twelve
Sunlight filtered in through the gap in the curtains, casting the morning light over Chikane and Himeko. The raven-haired beauty stroked blonde strands whilst gazing fondly upon her companion, completely oblivious to anything other than her target. She smiled almost dreamily, dipping her head down a little to breathe in the scent of her hair. She had hardly slept at all, she realised, yet she couldn't muster up the ability to care. She didn't want to waste a second of time she had with Himeko. She'd perhaps slept for half an hour and awoken when it was still dark in the bedroom. She had propped herself up on one elbow and hugged Himeko with her free arm. As the sun rose, she had changed her position slightly and had begun stroking her blonde locks, grinning at the murmurs that would elicit.
Now, she was considering sneaking out to have breakfast made for them and then she could bring it back personally. She had briefly pondered making it herself but decided that would take far too much precious time away from her Himeko. That wouldn't do at all. Her blue eyes glanced to the crack in the curtains for a moment before resting on Himeko's sleeping face once more. It was nearing time for them to get up and get ready for school. She wished they could lounge around in bed all day and just enjoy each others' company but she couldn't let her family down either. So many people expected so much from her, and she had never been one to disappoint.
Slowly and carefully, she leaned down and placed a glancing kiss on Himeko's cheek before easing herself away from the blonde. She slipped off the bed and pulled her robe around her, having to untangle it a little. She padded across the room, pausing at the door to look back at the slumbering beauty. She still lay there, not having stirred at all. Chikane smiled before quietly opening the door and exiting into the hallway. With as much care as she could muster, she closed the door, relieved it didn't make a sound. She glanced up and down the corridor. She was still alone.
Making her way down the hall, she wondered what to have made for breakfast. She wasn't even sure what Himeko would like. They'd never had breakfast together before. She should just bring her a selection of everything, she decided. She paused at the top of the stairs, peering down them. She remembered the mass of police officers who had been at the bottom of them last night. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end at the memories. She shook her head. No, she wasn't going to start thinking about that and let it spoil her day.
She descended the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. When she stepped inside she found Otoha there, attending to some dirty dishes. She turned around, surprise on her face. "Ojou-sama?"
Chikane glanced around the kitchen, still wondering what Himeko would like. "You're here alone?" She asked, noting she'd not seen any other staff around on her journey to the kitchen.
Otoha nodded, her gaze directed to the floor, her cheeks slightly flushed. Chikane wondered what had caused the reaction. "Yes, I relieved the other maids. I can handle their jobs on my own. I hope Ojou-sama doesn't mind." She explained quickly.
The mistress of the house shook her head, her hair dancing around her face. "I'm glad for the privacy." She said, causing the tension in her maid to ease a little. She strolled around the kitchen, her mind returning to thoughts of food. "Could you prepare a selection of breakfast dishes for me, Otoha?"
"Ojou-sama?" Came the questioning voice of Otoha.
Chikane turned her head but didn't look directly at the other woman. "I want to take breakfast up to Himeko, but I'm not sure what she likes. Do you think you could do that for me?" Her tone was soft but held little emotion, as was proper.
She caught the bow out of the corner of her eye and Otoha turned towards the refrigerator. "Certainly." Came her muttered response and she was sure she saw her eyes narrow.
She turned and watched her maid work for a while, leaning against one of the worktops. The maid seemed a little uncomfortable under her steady gaze but she continued to note what exactly she was doing with the food. She arranged several dishes that Chikane recognised. Soon, Otoha was finished with the preparations and stood expectantly beside the large tray of foods, her gaze resting on the ground. Chikane stepped closer, satisfied with the selection. Himeko had to like at least one of these dishes.
"Shall I carry it upstairs for you, Ojou-sama?" Asked Otoha, her eyes still dropped to the floor.
Chikane regarded the large silver tray and the full dishes upon it. She slid her hands under the rim and gingerly lifted, the plates clattering together slightly as she did so. She pressed her lips together, concentrating on not letting any one of them slip. She lifted it an inch off the counter before placing it down once more, noticing a trickle of sweat slide over Otoha's forehead. "No, I think I will manage. Thank you, Otoha." She replied.
The head maid seemed to not want to accept this answer but she didn't comment. With a small bow, Otoha retreated back to the counter she'd been at before and merely watched Chikane. In turn, the raven-haired lady of the house turned her attention back to the breakfast platter. She took a firm stance and gripped the tray, lifting it once more but with more confidence this time. It was heavy and a little awkward so she'd need to make a slow, careful journey up the stairs. She turned and moved out of the kitchen, Otoha opening the door for her but not following. She was glad the head maid hardly argued with her, it would do her no good anyway. Chikane was well aware of how stubborn she was perceived to be.
She now faced the greatest challenge of the morning. The large staircase. She peered up at it, frowning slightly at the many steps. Taking a breath, she carefully lifted her leg and placed her foot down on the first step. The tray angled slightly but she corrected it quickly before anything upon it could slide. Judging the exact movements she had to make to climb the obstacle before her, she managed to make her way up without incident. She reached the top of the stairs fairly quickly, breathing a sigh of relief. Now she just had to move throughout the maze of corridors until she reached her goal.
Soon, she found herself standing in front of her bedroom door. A worried frown had worked itself onto her features as she peered at the door handle. How was she going to get past this? She looked down at the tray, the width of it just shy of the doorframe. She considered her options. She couldn't bend down to place the tray on the floor without losing at least some of the food on it, she was pretty sure of that. Unfortunately, there were no tables in the corridor that she could use as a rest either. Her gaze returning to the brass door handle, she wondered if she could find a way to apply pressure to it without the use of her hands.
She glanced up and down the hall, ensuring no one would see her next actions. Satisfied that she was alone, shuffled closer to the door and braced herself on her left leg, ensuring she wouldn't lose her balance. Next, she raised her right leg and pressed her knee against the metal of the handle. The robe she wore restricted her movement somewhat but she was able to stay upright whilst doing it. She shifted her body weight until she could feel the handle drop a little, pushing more until she could feel it become almost vertical.
She realised her error though as the door clicked open and slid away from her, removing the resistance to her body weight. Moving instinctively she quickly put her right leg out in front of her, tensing her body. The clattering of china filled her ears and she heard a surprised cry come from within the room shortly afterwards. Adrenaline coursed through her body and she found herself squeezing her eyes shut. Once she opened her eyes she was relieved to find that the majority of the food was intact and only a few tidbits had fallen from the plates. Her gaze rose and she found a shocked blonde perched on the edge of the bed, clutching the covers around her petite form.
"Chikane-chan?" Came her tentative voice, sleep still clouding her vision and mind.
Chikane felt the tension in her muscles ease a little and she straightened up slowly, relieving the cramp in her left leg. She walked into the room, regaining the little composure she had lost. Her arms were beginning to feel the strain they were under now and she looked around for the best place to put the heavy tray. Himeko's eyes followed her as she moved to a long elegant table and eased the silverware onto it. She shook out her arms a little once the pressure in her muscles was gone.
She heard Himeko pad across the carpet to where she stood and she turned to face the other girl. "What's this Chikane-chan?" She asked, a gleam of excitement beginning to fill her violet eyes.
Chikane smiled at her and waved an arm dramatically, stepping aside to reveal the breakfast platter. "May I present... breakfast." She drawled.
Himeko clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes sparkling brightly. Chikane swooned at the exuberant sigh that escaped her lips. She was just too cute sometimes. "Wow!" She gasped out.
The taller girl slipped an arm around Himeko's waist and stood side by side with her. "I wish I could pretend I made all this but, I must admit, I had Otoha prepare it. I, however, can solely claim the feat of carrying it here." She grinned at Himeko, a playful glint in her blue depths.
The little blonde giggled at her. "It's enough that you even thought about me." She gushed.
Chikane leant down and brushed her lips against the sleepy girl's forehead, leaving red cheeks in her wake. "How could I think of anything but you?" She asked honestly, though the light tone in her voice remained.
Himeko merely smiled shyly up at her before letting her eyes hungrily wander over the variety of food. Chikane made sure to watch her every reaction, gauging it to see what she liked and what she disliked. It was plainly obvious to see which was which as her facial features were so emotive. Yet another thing she loved about Himeko. Soon, her blonde haired companion was tucking into several dishes and she happily watched whilst sipping a cup of tea, the delicate china a solid comfort in her fingers. Himeko seemed oblivious to her stare though and hungrily gobbled up the food she had chosen from the platter. Chikane mentally noted these dishes, planning to remake them herself someday.
Once she had polished off a few plates, Himeko looked up at Chikane. She was surprised so much could fit in such a small stomach. "What time is it, Chikane-chan?" She asked sweetly, her hands brushing away strands of hair that had fallen in her face.
"We will need to ready ourselves for school." Chikane admitted solemnly. She didn't want to have to leave the privacy of this room and the company of her Himeko.
Himeko regarded her for a moment and then her eyes widened a little. "My uniform! I need to go back to the dorm and pick up my things."
Chikane stood from the chair she had settled on earlier. "Perhaps I could lend you one of mine for the time being..?" She offered.
Himeko seemed to mull this over but then let out a small giggle. Chikane cocked her head at her, an eyebrow quirked in confusion. "I'm sorry Chikane-chan... but I think..." She raised a hand to cover her mouth to stifle the laughter. After a moment she seemed to calm but the amusement still brightened her eyes. "I think your clothes wont fit me too well." Her eyes pointedly lingered over a certain area of Chikane's body.
Immediately realising what she'd meant, Chikane's cheeks flushed and her gaze shot down to her chest. She hadn't realised it before but her robe hung open slightly, showing the creamy flesh of her chest and a generous amount of the curve of her breasts. She glanced up at Himeko, shock colouring her features. The blonde's cheeks had also flushed now but her gaze remained fixed. Chikane brought her hands up and rested her hands on the two pieces of silken fabric at her chest. She paused though, watching Himeko's reaction with growing amusement. Disappointment flickered in her eyes as it appeared as though Chikane would pull them together.
Finally, Chikane chuckled, breaking the spell. Himeko met her eyes and they both laughed together. "I don't think it'd be that bad, Himeko." She dropped her hands to her side and moved to sit beside the blonde on the bed. "And we really don't have time. I think I let you sleep too long." She said with a smile.
Himeko nodded at her, her eyes darting between Chikane's face and her chest as she sat down. She seemed acutely aware of the act though and eventually managed to tear her gaze away and look at the wall instead. "Okay. I hope it isn't too baggy in places though." She said quietly and Chikane wrapped an arm around her.
Chikane leant in and stopped just before her lips touched the blonde's ear. "Now, do you need any help getting the uniform on..?" She breathed.
Himeko fidgeted a little uncomfortably in her newly acquired uniform. She had been right about it being loose in one place in particular. She looked glumly down at the slightly baggy material and then back up at the back of the girl walking in front of her. Chikane's uniform always seemed to fit her perfectly. She grazed her eyes over the curves of the red jacket, then the skirt and finally down those long, long legs. A lump formed in her throat as she thought about the softness of the skin under those clothes. She almost tripped over herself for the second time during their short walk. Why did Chikane have to walk in front of her? She was so distracting.
Black locks flicked aside as Chikane turned and looked at her, obviously having heard the scuffle of shoe against stone as Himeko had righted herself. Luckily she hadn't tumbled to the ground this time. A quizzical eyebrow arched but Himeko didn't say anything, the embarrassment of her thoughts too much to share at that moment. Chikane slowed her pace and allowed Himeko to catch up, falling into step beside her as soon as she had.
"Something wrong, Himeko?" She asked, a fond smile pulling at her lips.
Himeko shook her head but returned the smile. "Nothing."
She seemed to accept that and continued looking ahead. Chikane had asked her driver to drop them off a few minutes walk away from the school and now they were passing by the dorms. Himeko peered in at them, wondering in Makoto had gone to school already. She must have been worried last night, she thought guiltily. They had seen very few students on their way here and, luckily, none had approached them. Chikane seemed pleased about that too and had remarked that she would have hated to take her attention off of Himeko for even a second. That had made her giggle. Sometimes Chikane could be so dramatic, but it was another thing that warmed her heart whenever she saw it.
She peered at her companion and saw her azure gaze was fixed on a place to her right. She followed it and noticed two people walking towards the dorms. She squinted at them, the distance hiding their identities. She paused when one of the figures stumbled, the other coming to their aid. She glanced at Chikane, concern etched into her features. The raven-haired beauty merely nodded at her and started to walk towards the pair, Himeko following her.
As they closed in on the pair, Himeko could tell a bit more about them. She could now see they were two women, one dressed in a casual outfit of jeans and a leather jacket; the other was dressed in the Mahoroba school uniform. The school girl had straight black hair; not quite as silky and vibrant as Chikane's, she noted. Her companion had brown hair, tied back into a pony tail. The brunette was leaning heavily on the other girl now, her head hanging quite a bit.
Chikane halted when they were nearer and Himeko copied her action upon seeing the face of the school girl. "R-Rei-chan." Himeko gasped.
Rei's head shot up, her attention leaving that of the woman beside her. At first her look was hostile as she recognised Chikane and Himeko but, when the brunette slumped further against her, concern flashed across her dark eyes. Her mouth moved to form words but Himeko could not hear what she said. Chikane stepped forwards and she followed.
"Is everything okay?" Chikane asked, her tone even and calm.
The brunette looked up at those words. She was older than any of the three girls, that much Himeko could tell. She bore a bruise on her jaw and a cut above her eye and, although she smirked at them, pain was buried in those grey eyes. Rei had an arm wrapped around the woman's waist and her other hand was placed against her shoulder, keeping her upright. "This is none of your concern, Himemiya." Rei spat.
Chikane's expression didn't change but she looked at the brunette instead who was still smirking. "Now, now, Rei." Her voice was tinged with a strange accent and Himeko had guessed she wasn't Japanese from her appearance. "There's no need to be rude." Himeko was surprised at the use of Rei's first name and the lack of reaction from the other girl. In fact, she would have sworn the older girl was blushing if she hadn't known her better.
"You don't look well, do you require assistance?" Chikane asked, directing her question at the brunette.
The smirk faded for a moment but soon returned with similar intensity. "I already have assistance, thank you." Her glance flicked towards the girl supporting her before returning to Chikane. "And I don't think she wants to share." She chuckled then, much to the annoyance of her companion.
"Klava..." Rei hissed, her voice quiet.
At the widening smirk and the glance she received from the brunette, Himeko guessed that Klava was her name. She desperately wanted to ask who she was, her curiosity burning at her, but she kept quiet knowing full well how volatile Rei could be. Even though Himeko didn't know her very well, it was unusual to see Rei with anyone outside of class. She was usually walking alone when she saw her, a grim expression on her face. Why she was so angry she didn't know. But here she was, with a friend and her scowling kept to a minimum.
Finally plucking up enough courage, Himeko stepped forwards. "I'm Kurusugawa Himeko, nice to meet you." She addressed the brunette cheerily.
The brunette straightened, seeming to have recovered some strength. Rei still held on to her though. "Klavdiya." She placed a hand on her chest as she introduced herself.
"But you may address her as Zhukov-san." Rei interjected before Himeko could speak, pointedly looking at the blonde.
Himeko noticed Chikane step closer to her and she instantly felt safer under Rei's cold, hard gaze at the nearness of her. Klavdiya shook her head slightly at her companion's words but didn't object to them. "We can help you wherever you're going." Himeko offered.
Klavdiya motioned towards the building behind them. "This is my stop."
Chikane looked thoughtful for a moment when Himeko glanced at her. "So you're the investigator?" She asked, receiving a glare from Rei.
The brunette raised an eyebrow at the question. "Mm, I guess so." She replied, shrugging slightly. The wince from that action didn't go unnoticed by the three girls though. The arm around her waist tightened and she smiled a reassuring smile at Rei. Chikane glanced down at Himeko and she guessed the same questions were going through the other girl's mind as they were through hers.
"Look, you two need to get to class and I need to get... Zhukov-san to her room... so..." Rei spoke, her expression a determined one.
Chikane nodded at her and Himeko realised that the older girl wouldn't accept help so it's was hopeless trying to offer it. Just then, Klavdiya's smile faded and her grey eyes widened. She muttered something, stiffening in Rei's arms which immediately drew her a worried look. She then squeezed her eyes shut, leaning heavily on her companion. Himeko stepped forwards, seeing Rei struggle with the dead weight of Klavdiya, whose legs were now buckling.
"Stay back." Klavdiya breathed weakly. Her eyes were barely open but she could see those grey orbs upon her between slitted eyelids. She ignored the warning, her instinct to help pushing her forwards.
As she grabbed a hold of Klavdiya's right arm, a jolt of something passed through her, stealing her of her breath. She froze in place, a sense of something familiar washing over her before it was gone once again. She felt Klavdiya convulse at her touch and heard her gasp suddenly. Before she could do anything further, Rei was roughly pushing her backwards with a hand whilst attempting to hold Klavdiya up at the same time. Chikane was soon behind her, catching her before she collapsed on the ground, her strong arms wrapping around her torso.
"What the hell..?" Chikane's voice was angry and all Himeko could do was stare in confusion at Rei.
Both of Rei's arms were now wrapped around Klavdiya's waist and the brunette held herself up with one arm across the smaller girl's shoulders. Klavdiya was still gritting her teeth in pain and Himeko gasped as she saw blood trickle from her ear. Rei continued to glare menacingly at Himeko. "She said stay back." She bit, her voice like a sea of ice.
"I... I'm s-sorry." Himeko stuttered, causing Chikane to squeeze her tighter. Himeko composed herself and stood properly so Chikane could release her grip on her.
"You don't need to apologise, Himeko. You were just trying to help." Chikane soothed her, her voice a soft murmer.
"Instead you made it worse." Rei seethed, her eyes narrowing.
Klavdiya brought her free hand up to her ear and held it there. She managed to open her eyes slowly and looked at Rei. "That's... enough." Her voice was even but weak. "Please, take me to my room." Rei nodded at her and helped her to reposition herself so she was supporting her own weight more. Klavdiya then looked at Himeko and Chikane, her eyes almost searching them for something. Finally, she spoke again. "I'm sorry to have to cut this short." She said, before allowing Rei to pull her towards the dorm building.
Himeko watched the pair retreat into the building before looking up at Chikane. Her blue eyes met hers, hints of confusion and concern in their depths. A cool breeze brushed past them, causing her to shiver slightly. Chikane slid an arm over her shoulders. "Come on, lets get you inside." She said warmly, forcing a smile to Himeko's lips.
The raven-haired beauty steered her away from the abandoned building and towards the school. Himeko's mind lingered upon Klavdiya and what had caused Rei to act so violently towards her. Yes, she was an unfriendly girl normally but she had never been so openly hostile before. As far as Himeko knew anyway. It upset her that she could cause that kind of reaction in anyone. And what was wrong with Klavdiya? She had already seemed pretty banged up and then she had that... attack. Perhaps she was sick. Then there was that feeling when she'd touched her. She shivered at the thought and felt Chikane squeeze her, confusing the reaction with her being cold. She'd felt something pass through her at that moment. She wasn't sure what it was though. Some form of power? And why was it so... familiar? She'd need to ask Chikane about it later, after school. She nodded. Yes, Chikane would know what to do.
END OF CHAPTER
Author's Note: Finally, The two couples meet! Heh. It only took thirteen chapters! Anyway, it wasn't exactly the meeting I first envisioned but it just kind of wrote itself. ;) Again, I'm sorry for this taking so long this time. I'll try not to let it happen again! ^^