Thoughts: Kiss or Kill
Disclaimer: If Mai-HiME was mine, I would've made a third series. It would be like a battle royal to see who the top magical girl is.
A/N: I never knew Nina Wang was an actual person. She was the richest woman in Asia before her death. She had 4.2 billion USD and was a widow in Hong Kong. Whoot! I'm from Hong Kong, too. Nina's meister robe in the manga is so much prettier.
Silurian Orthoceras Fossil…is similar to Natsuki's eye color…
Thanks to Lady Caz for beta-ing! Whoot!
It was the start of a new day, and the siblings were getting ready for school. After a quiet breakfast, they elegantly made their made way to the main entrance hall. Adorning their dark blue uniforms –decorated with straightened wheat-colored collars and crisply pressed skirt pleats—they surely had an aura of superiority and grace as student council members of the prestigious Garderobe Academy should.
"I thought Nina-san was coming to school today," Yukino commented and thanked the maids as they opened the door. One of the maids bowed and informed, "Nina-oujo-sama is taking an alternative vehicle to the school grounds, Yukino-oujo-sama."
"Is that so? So Nina-onee-sama doesn't wish to ride in the same vehicle as us? Does she feel uncomfortable or—" Tomoe was interjected by Erstin, "I'm sure she's just shy. We have yet to learn more about Nina-onee-sama, so let's not jump to conclusions." Yukino nodded in agreement.
The Suishoyurikai members made their way down the long steps towards the black limousine. They shielded their eyes with their hand; skies were a blue gradient and not a single cloud was in sight, allowing the sun's unrestricted beams to illuminate the young girls with glows of purity. Turning around, the green-haired girl smiled, "Shizuru-onee-sama! What a nice—Shizuru-onee-sama?!" The rest of the sisters also turned around and noticed their elder sister was no where in sight.
x – x – x – x
This…uniform is not too bad. The long length of this dress allows some forms of mobility.
It was the first day of school as 'Nina' for Natsuki. The morning meal was finished without much words, and like a ninja, she had slipped away from the dining hall. Fumi had caught her along the way to hand the agent her lunchbox. She thanked her and continued to her room.
Grabbing the red-streaked, black helmet and school bag from her room, she stuffed her lunchbox inside her bag and made her way to the eastern back gardens. Before entering, she turned on the GPS function of her contacts and inputted the coordinates of her school. Soon the same aqua translucent map materialized before her, her destination blinking in red.
Good.
Arriving inside Fumi's 'private' garden, which can be described as a pseudo Garden of Eden with all the majestic plants about it, the navy-haired girl found the journey tedious and useless, since most of the people inside the manor now knew about her 'hobby'.
I should just park the bike on one of those walkways on the side of the mansion… The agent jotted the mental note to her memory bank. It's not as if anyone would dare touch 'Nina-oujo-sama's' property without being fired or worse. And I doubt any of the Viola daughters would have the courage to touch this bike…
She recalled the many times Sergey Viola had called her beautiful baby 'dangerous and destructive'. If he's a weakling like that, I seriously doubt any of them be able to ride this. For goodness sakes, they think horses are exciting! Natsuki had no ill-feelings towards the beasts, but she considered riding horses similar to screaming 'I love peace and nature', while waving the national flag of Switzerland over the summit of a mountain. It's no good without the thrills and chills…
Her mind wandered into the world of rate and velocity -the fundamentals of physics in motorcycles- as she continued her trek towards her sports bike. Finally spotting her navy Ducati and the shimmer of the glossy metal; it was unyielding and could slice through the resistant air like it was tofu. She found herself alike in such fashion.
Hanging the school bag onto one of the handlebars of her Ducati, she pressed her palm onto the black seats for leverage and swept back the kickstand. Not wanting her dress to ride up and give random drivers a nice view, she carefully lifted her leg and swung onto the vehicle. Leaning down, she was about start the ignition and rev up the engine when she realized her first revelation of the day. Fumi would literally slaughter me on the spot if I leave a path of mud and ripped grass…
"Nina?" Startled, her upper torso did a 180 and found the source. There stood Shizuru Viola, the eldest daughter in the family, the most respected woman after the Mistresses, the Kaichou of the Suishoyurikai. Not even a single piece of dust dared to land on the skin of the young woman with burnt sienna tresses. "H-how... behind me? I thought this part of the garden was one-way…"
Amused, the Kaichou lifted a finger and pointed to their left. Lo and behold, though lightly concealed by the plants, it was another exit/entrance. "I-I never knew that was there." Shizuru chuckled, "More importantly, shouldn't this bike be moved somewhere else—unless Nina wishes to burn a trail throughout the garden maze." Natsuki was silent; she was still pondering her choices and had not come to a conclusion.
"That exit leads to a walkway that will lead to the main entrance," Shizuru simply stated; she sensed the diminutive spark of unease in those carrot orange globes. Lost for words, the agent got off her bike and wheeled it outside the exit.
The walkway indeed led to the main entrance and ultimately outside the manor. Swinging back on, Natsuki leaned in and inserted the key. Twisting it, the engine roared to life. She revved it with a few turns of the wrist.
Sitting upright to don her helmet-no…she couldn't because something or rather someone was obstructing her.
Shizuru Viola was pressed against her back. Slender arms snaked around the younger girl's waist, making her stiff like a piece of wood. "Shi-shizuru-onee-sama?!" Face boiling red, Natsuki did not dare to turn her head.
Even though I made all those promises to myself! H-how can this woman—dammit! Why do I feel so embarrassed?
It was unknown to the young agent what she was feeling. She considered it was a feeling of nervousness due to the fact no one was ever allowed to ever touch her –without being clobbered- let alone embrace her from behind. "Nina, we're going to be late if we don't move." Rising anger replaced her embarrassment. "Shizuru-onee-sama, what do you mean by 'we'? I believe your vehicle is waiting outside the main door."
"Ara, and here I helped Nina move her vehicle to a suitable spot… All I'm asking is a ride in return," her teasing tone leaked through the soothing Kyoto-ben. What was interpreted from the teasing tone was sadness. Point scored for the 'elder sister'. "A-ah… I suppose it is alright… but Shizuru-onee-sama, are you not scared? … riding such a dangerous thing…"
I-I can't believe I just insulted my own bike...
Natsuki felt the grip around her waist tightened, the elder girl's school bag dangling on her wrist. "I'll just have to hold on tighter then, won't I?" Knowing that she'd be late if they kept on debating the matter, the agent handed her 'sister' the helmet and demanded the Kaichou to put it on, while muttering that it was for her safety. "Ookini Nina."
Stepping lightly on the gas, the bike pushed forward at a slow pace. Even with this, Natsuki felt the grip on her waist strengthening.
Is she really that scared? But… she is braver than the rest of the siblings… she must've never even seen a motorcycle until now.
Swerving around the corner as carefully as she could, the pair was met by the group of fidgeting sisters, who frantically ran over to them. Balancing the bike with her feet, 'Nina' silently watched the scene unfold.
"Shizuru-onee-sama?! W-what is that?!" Tomoe pointed a shaking finger at her donned helmet. The agent felt as if she could breathe again as Shizuru let go. A pale hand softly flipped up the helmet visor and replied, "Ara, Tomoe is that how a member of the student council should act? Calm yourself." Blushing in shame, the green-haired girl retrieved her protruded finger; the question still lingered in the air.
"I'm just glad you're safe Shizuru-onee-sama!" Erstin's cheeks were slightly flushed, perhaps from worry. Shizuru laughed softly, "Surely you did not believe I was kidnapped, did you, Erstin? By chance… by Nina, but certainly no one else."
Natsuki whipped her head back, mouth slightly agape. The nerve of that woman! Red eyes brimmed with mirth seeing the visage on her driver's face. Somewhat irritated, the agent snapped her head forward, pretending to be intrigued by observing air.
Calmly stepping ahead of Tomoe, Yukino bowed, the corners of her lips tugged into a gentle smile, "Have fun, Shizuru-onee-sama. Please do drive safely, Nina-san." Erstin waved. Before Tomoe could input another one of her protests, the navy-haired driver nodded. Once she felt Shizuru's hands were wrapped around her waist, she drove off.
x – x – x – x
Gradually as the two made their way into the road, the arms around the biker's waist loosened their hold just a bit. Natsuki sensed her 'sister' was getting used to the vehicle. She took it as a sign to accelerate, which the azure-haired teen happily did.
"Nina! I know a shortcut! Take the left turn into the highway!" Shizuru called out over the engine. The agent hesitated, "But Shizuru-onee-sama, we can get to the school using the next right exit." Or at least that's what the GPS is saying.
"Nina, I've been to that school longer than you've been breathing air. Follow your sister's orders and turn left," Shizuru scolded. Fine. Skipping the right exit, she rode the bike left and into the highway. Her position on the map was clearly getting further from the blinking red dot.
"Now take the right exit twenty miles from here. Just continue from there; it's a one-way." Natsuki complied, wondering if it was truly the way.
The academy is clearly behind us…
Burnt citrus orbs peered for a road sign hopefully stating 'GarderobeAcademy: something miles' yet found none. Blinking twice, she turned off the GPS function all together. Natsuki was in doubt.
Eyeing the said right exit, she motored to the inclining road. Sticking to the right lane but impatient because of the horrendously slow speed the cars in front of her were in, she floored the engine and past all of them. 'Nina' noticed arms around her tightening during that moment but relaxing again right after.
She saw the sign… oh she saw it all right. 'Welcome to ArmitageShore!' replaced what should've said 'Garderobe'. Natsuki gritted her teeth. This woman... No wonder those cars were insanely slow-Gah!
"Ah! W-what are you doing Shizuru-onee-sama!?" Fingers were drawing circles on her sensitive, toned abs. Ticklish? No… but nonetheless the bike jittered on the road. The agent immediately fumbled for the bars, clutching them with a death grip; knuckles turned white. "I will not answer until Nina calls me 'Shizuru'. No honorifics."
Fingers poked and danced across her abdomen. The teen with azure locks felt dizzy from the sensation both from her back and stomach. "S-stop! Shizuru-onee-sama, this is not funny! We can die if we crash!" It was true. They were riding along a road embedded in a cliff. One slip and the pair could sail over the railings and meet the sharp boulders or the icy depths of the sea. There was no answer from the Kaichou. This time there was a pinch.
"Ah! Shi-shizuru! Stop it! Dammit we're gonna die if you keep on doing this!" No!
I …without thinking I…
Smug, the brunette got what she wanted. "Thank you for addressing me like I'd wanted Nina. Stop at the lay-by ahead." Even with the fingers no longer trailing, skipping, (or nail digging) and dancing on the surface of her stomach, Natsuki's thoughts were still on overload. Like a robot, the commands were followed.
Stopping at the lay-by, she felt the grip was released, and a weight was lifted from the vehicle. Looking over her shoulder, Natsuki lightly gawked at the scene you would only see in shampoo commercials-godsend first-rate shampoo commercials. Was it a picture, painting, or a movie? Was there some kind of entity delaying the flow of time? The agent didn't know. Citrus globes could not tear away from the picturesque slow motion capture.
Hands. Slender, delicate, smooth, perfectly built arms rose. Lithe fingers clasped onto the hard plastic of the helmet, pulling on it ever so gently. It slid off as she lowered her head, revealing caramel locks. A swift movement of the neck swung her head back in position, not a single strand of her silken hair was tangled.
Immediately, a gust blew by. Putting a hand over her ear, she closed those alluring scarlet irises, while letting out a soft sound of surprise. Her uniform fluttered softly like feathers along the breeze. Gone as quickly as it came, she ran her fingers through her flawless coffee-colored tresses. Then, the eternal instant ceased; Shizuru swiveled her heels and placed the helmet on the leather seat. Natsuki was quick to shut her gaping mouth before the elder girl ever noticed; nevertheless, a light pink tinged her cheeks.
Time resumed its regular tempo as Shizuru glided towards the railings. Her steps seemed irregular; the calm aura vanished, replaced by relief. At any rate it appeared so in the agent's psyche. Kicking the rod to support her Ducati, 'Nina' also got off. Reclaiming her composure, she checked her watch. They were late. Hearing the footfalls of her imouto, Shizuru turned around, "Isn't this a nice place?"
A finger shushed the approaching complaint. Chocolate irises followed as the finger pointed to the view before them. She observed the breathtaking scenery.
It's like… everything has become one…
For miles, not a single white mass was in sight. Heaven became earth as the sun was behind them leaving nothing but a dull azure gradient. The sky was assimilated into the body of water. She saw the endlessly stretching marine waters rippling far away. If it were still, she would've never caught the difference.
Hands grasped onto the railings, she peered down. The force of the waves grew more intense nearing the cliff. The liquid crashed against it, turning into a pure white, leaving the jagged rocks with a faint coating of wetness. Time slowed as her vision saw the droplets returning to the icy depths.
Momentarily closing her eyes, she heard the sounds of water crashing against rock. It's hard to believe that this was what shaped some of the most famous geological features on earth. How though? How can water be so dead yet so destructive... so alive?
The waves provided a continuous breeze. She took in the salty, refreshing air. Her chest… no, the muscle beating her source of life ached. Even before this scenery, her thoughts battered her mind… her being. For the first time, she questioned her fate. Her fate as a killer deprived of what a girl her age should truly feel. Her mind battled her heart in an undying skirmish of what she assumed was reality and her textbook definition of the emotions a human experienced.
"Isn't the scenery beautiful here?" A soothing voice breaks the trance-the trance that threatened to tear her soul away from her body.
Opening her eyes, she saw Shizuru's back leaning against the railing, her head tilting towards her as her elbows supported her body on the metal bars. Hands now to her sides, Natsuki answered, "Yes…it's very beautiful. Did you want me to see this?" Maroon orbs gazed into her features, "Why, Nina just seems so tense all the time. A place like this will surely relax anyone, don't you agree?" The younger girl nodded.
Shizuru chuckled, "Still, the profanity earlier! So this is what my imouto is truly like."
…
What I'm like?
Silence filled the air, but soon the elder girl broke it with her melodic tone, "Tell me, doesn't Nina think she's trying too hard to fit into this family?"
Natsuki's eyes widened.
"Your persistence with the honorifics people use on you… Nina constantly rejects them. To me that is your way of saying 'be more familiar with me'. Yet, in your quest to have us acquainted with you, Nina consistently pushes us back." The younger girl had nothing to say. The older girl shifted her position to completely face her imouto.
"Ara, your silence is proving I'm right then?" A hand tucked back a stray chestnut strand and continued, "Keigo…it's a wonderful thing isn't it? One can sound so polite and hide what they truly feel."
W-what are you trying to say…?
"Nina…being familiar with another isn't taking away honorifics; it's allowing others to enter…," Shizuru lightly placed a finger on Natsuki's chest, "your heart." M-my heart…? Chocolate orbs tinted with confusion lingered onto the pavement.
Shizuru waved a hand to catch the younger girl's attention, "Nina… Nina-chan!" Gaze no longer glued to the ground, Natsuki fired back defensively, "Mou! Shizuru stoppit with the 'chan'!" A genuine smile formed on the elder girl's lips –the sight of it warmed the younger girl's body- and nodded, "Ara, Nina is such a quick learner—not to mention she's growing up so quickly!"
It took Natsuki a second before she realized the meaning. Her uniform pressed against her skin as Natsuki brought her arms protectively around her chest, blushing up to her ears. She furiously averted her gaze towards the scenery.
God, that perverted woman!
The biker decided to change the subject with sarcasm, "Keh, and you said this was a shortcut? What are we supposed to do? Swim across the sea and trek to the other side of the world?" No restraints were on as the agent's irritation seethed through the words escaping her lips.
"I wanted to not go," Shizuru simply stated; eyes twinkled with sadness but were masked so quickly that it went unnoted by her imouto. The wall could be destroyed.
It was the navy-haired teen's turn to act like a mother. "You're the Kaichou, how can you say that? Do you really want me to miss the first day of school? Come on, we're going back… Shizuru."
"Hai, Okaa-sama," she teased.
Argh!
Natsuki stomped to her Ducati, leaving Shizuru to catch up to her. The corners of her lips tugged into an upward curve as she heard the light jogging behind her.
Perhaps…I can try…
x – x – x – x
Omake:
Lay-by…nearing to the bike
Shizuru: Ara, I haven't complimented Nina on how she looks yet, have I?
'Nina': No it's fine; I don't think it suits me either…
Shizuru: It's very elegant however… perhaps if it was a mini-skirt… -voice trails off as she is lost in thought-
'Nina': Shizuru, are you hungry again? …your mouth… -blushes-
Shizuru: Kannin na, my thoughts wandered off again –wipes off microscopic drool-
'Nina': ?
A/N: Ah, reading this chapter myself made me happy.
Mayo Durian! For reviewers! Look it up if you don't know the fruit. This product smells so horridly delicious that when it's coupled with the Almighty Mayo… it can bring out the magical super girl in you!
Oh, for those who are questioning about the sequel for Red Ribbon, here's a summary: Natsuki and Shizuru are going steady. However, the forever-shy Natsuki refuses to announce her relationship in public, while Shizuru tries everything in her power to do so.
Next up… won't you guess? I want to take this time to thank everyone that has reviewed. It gives me great joy reading your messages.
Hona, sainara. ('Well now/anyway, good bye' in Kyoto-ben)