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: Due to a shift in my schedule, updates will be posted weekly when I am available to update them.

On another note: In response to Leeyou's remark, 'I feel relieve that shiz chan didn't get mad the moment she know she has werewolf's blood flow in her vein, that because its natsuki's, right?' - It's probable that she feels a deeper connection to Natsuki and will not fuss about the matter. However, it's more likely that having been plagued by the essence for so long now, she is simply over joy to have gotten rid of it altogether. On top of that it's not as though the werewolf blood makes her insane, but it does have it's own perks as well.

Enjoy

In her state of slumber Natsuki had rolled onto her left side causing her to hiss out in pain before moving onto her back cursing out loud. Her cussing didn't go unnoticed when the door to her room opened and Shizuru casually strolled in worry creased upon her face inquiring, "Are you alright Natsuki?"

Grabbing her chest, Natsuki sat up breathing heavily articulating her discomfort, "I'm fine Shizuru, I just curled onto my left side in my sleep and agitated my ribs."

Shizuru sat down on the side of the bed exhaling a breath of helplessness before stating, "If Natsuki would like, I can soothe Natsuki back to bed again."

A smile appeared on the raven hair girl's face, for the idea wasn't half bad if she wasn't in such excruciating pain grunting, "No that's quite alright, I can manage Shizuru. Thank you, though."

Shaking her head, Shizuru felt that the one who owed gratitude was herself and not Natsuki articulated, "No. I should be the one thanking you Natsuki, you don't realize what you've given me."

After awakening for the first time from the incident, she had been glad that Shizuru was safe and that her plan somehow managed to work. Since arousing a few weeks ago, Shizuru had removed her green eye savior from the medical room into Shizuru's guest bedroom, where she could recuperate in a less chaotic environment. Natsuki could feel the tension in her chest and knew her ribs would require at least a few more months of healing.

"I'm just glad you're going to be okay, Shizuru." Natsuki stated with slight relief.

Shizuru gestured in comprehension, knowing that Natsuki was probably tired of hearing her constant appreciation stated, "If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask."

Contemplating momentarily her mind still in a haze of what to say, the green eyed tribreed answered, "Well just don't do that again. I mean if you wanted my heart that badly, I'd give it to you willingly over time you know."

In her state of tiredness, Natsuki hadn't really realized what she had said. The Countess caught off guard by the comment and unsure as to whether or not she heard what she heard, inquired, "Did Natstuki just say what I think she said?"

When it dawned on Natsuki she opened her mouth, then closed it a couple times before uttering, "Well I meant…um…you...Shizuru…ah…," unable to form any coherent thoughts to articulate she blurted out, "I'm tired."

Slightly shaking her head in amusement, Shizuru hummed, "I have caused Natsuki unnecessary stress, and for that I shall assist you in getting some much needed rest."

Natsuki furrowed her eyebrows answering, "I don't need help to sleep," when she felt a flick to her forehead causing her to growl, which only caused Shizuru to chuckle stating, "Sleep now Natsuki."

Blinking a few times, she felt her body go lax and her mind turning into goo, Natsuki uttered, "Oh you... did not …," when slumber washed over her before she could complete the sentence. Her mind inwardly thinking, "I so need to perfect that ability." Prior to completely shutting down.

Shizuru made sure Natsuki was sleeping comfortably before exiting the room only to hear deep within her mind, "Alyssa and Miyu have arrived, Shizuru. Do you wish for them to remain here or escorted to the mansion."

Closing the door behind her she strolled towards the living area replying back to Haruka, "I would prefer it if you could escort them here. I don't want to chance being away from Natsuki with her in her current condition."

Haruka answered, "As you wish, we'll be there within ten."

Shizuru thanked Haruka as she grabbed a book to read while she waited for them to arrive. Surely enough ten minutes later Haruka led Alyssa, Miyu and Mikoto in to the living quarters of the mansion.

Standing up from where she was sitting she greeted the alpha leaders, "It is a pleasure to see the alpha leaders of the werewolf domain Alyssa and Miyu within my territory. It has been awhile." Turning her attention to Mikoto she greeted, "It is good to see you again Mikoto."

The three stated one after another, "The pleasure is ours Countess."

Shizuru nodded motioning them to sit before asking, "So what disconcerting issue has brought you out here Alyssa and Miyu. For alpha leaders do not tend to travel outside of their domain at such lengths due to the possibility of a revolt occurring while they are away."

They were surprised by Shizuru's directness. Yet her straightforward approach made it easier to address their reasoning for being there, when Alyssa spoke up, "You are aware of how the werewolf realm is governed. Our kind is usually equal in strength, so we don't hold the authority as long as vampires do when it comes to maintaining order within our domain. Over time if we as the alpha leaders do not appoint who we see fit to succeed us, we will be over thrown. Our leadership but last only a brief century. The last time someone had ruled our realm for more than a century was when Siruis was the alpha leader. He managed to rule for a very long time before he had to step down. That is initially the reason as to why we are here today Shizuru."

Shizuru understood the whole hierarchy and procedure that the werewolves used. It was civilized yet it lacked leadership as the alpha leaders were changed too often, to allow any growth. Being immortal, meant having an eternity and a century to rule was like a year in mortal terms. Nothing could be done or changed within that time. So in a sense Shizuru could understand the complexity of Alyssa and Miyu's current predicament.

Nodding in understanding she replied, "How can I be of assistance?"

It was then that Miyu spoke up, "We are aware that Natsuki Kruger has returned, and we wanted to talk to her as well."

Raising an eyebrow upon hearing her green eyed saviors name, she calmly shook her head answering, "Natsuki was severely injured recently and is currently recuperating. Whatever it is you wish to discuss pertaining to her I assure you I will pass it on."

She watched while Alyssa and Miyu contemplated whether or not they wanted to proceed and without warning it was Mikoto who approached her stating, "Countess we believe that Natsuki holds the bloodline of the greatest werewolf to ever walk both mortal and immortal realm."

Miyu instantly stood up authority emanating from her, "Mikoto I could have you killed for such insolence and show of disrespect in front of the Countess."

"I am tired of these speculations and the continuous bickering upon whom is next to proceed as alpha leaders. If the Countess and Natsuki can help us, then we can finally end this idiocy that we've placed upon ourselves." Voiced Mikoto in slight defiance.

Alyssa rose in anger reprimanding Mikoto, "You are young Mikoto and you do not yet understand the way this realm works. Your rash and outspoken actions will cause unnecessary misunderstanding which will only lead to trouble. We deemed you the best at the art of acting when a crisis occurs therefore we brought you along with us. I suggest you sit down, or be demoted upon your return to Searrs."

Mikoto wasn't happy, but she as the loyal subject bowed out of respect to Shizuru before stating, "My apologies for my outburst, Countess."

Shizuru had watched the whole interaction and found it rather similar to when she first met Natsuki, who seemed rash to action and focused solely upon seeking revenge. But her youth made her realize certain aspects that those who had been around too long had forgotten about, which complicated matters all the more.

Calmly she motioned for the group to sit before articulating, "That is quite alright, there is no need for talks of demotion. Sometimes the youth see things in which we cannot see, because our perception has been altered due to our experiences and the length of our own life span Alyssa and Miya." Alyssa and Miyu eyed Shizuru cautiously before Shizuru smiled continuing, "What reasons do you have in presuming that Natsuki is of this werewolf's bloodline."

There was a moment of silence, that felt like an eternity prior to Alyssa answering, "She looks almost identical to that of Nina. That was why when we first saw Natsuki those years ago we had thought it was her. But when one of your loyal subjects called her name, we realized then that she was not who we thought she was."

Shizuru intrigued by Natsuki resembling this Nina individual inquired, "Who is this Nina you speak of?"

Miyu was the one who spoke up this time, "Nina was like the mother figure of us all, if Sirius is the father figure. Sirius had governed for many millenniums before he met Nina. He fell in love with her who was of mortal blood. Canopus his half-brother did not approve of such unions which led to a fierce battle between the two of them. Canopus was half wolf, half dog making him illegitimate to govern the werewolf realm. Nina was gravely wounded in the battle that occurred and Sirius not wanting to abandon her left leadership in Canopus's care. After that no one knew what happened to Nina or Sirius. Tale tells of them having sired offspring's, but no one is certain if that is true or not. The only actual fact we have is that she ruled beside him for at least a decade before his brother revolted. She chose not to be turned, remaining as a mortal to live beside him and love him as he was."

This was the first time in Shizuru's existence in which she felt like she didn't know anything pertaining to the realm outside of her territory, that was happening around her what so ever. So she remained silent allowing the information she had just received to process itself before asking, "What does Nina have to do with Natsuki?"

Mikoto broke in exclaiming, "If she holds the bloodline, we wish to name her successor and that will end the continual search for successors. As leadership is rightfully hers to begin with, due to her lineage and the blood that flows within her."

Shizuru raised an eyebrow stating in ignorance, "But Natsuki is a vampire," in an attempt to gauge the alpha leader's.

Alyssa having anticipated this question explained, "We had thought then that it was impossible by the fact that she was a vampire. However, we were told that she was sired by Yamada, a pure blood vampire, and direct blood line to Carmilla herself. I will not take you for a fool Shizuru, as you are aware of how this works, so I need not divulge in details how this small chance is possible. Or perhaps like mortals would say, it is her destiny and fate that she is where she is now."

It would be very unbecoming of her if she out right lied to them, but she didn't have to tell them the truth either. She understood they knew enough to where they wouldn't back down, until Natsuki told them straight out what she would do. Exhaling a breath of contemplation she stated, "Even if that is the case, and what you say is true, the decision is up to Natsuki. I will relay the message to her. Neither yourselves, nor I will make that choice for her." Pausing she waited till she was sure that everyone was pleased with the final verdict even though there was no verdict yet, added, "Was there another matter in which I can aid you with?"

The three of them shook their heads in unison before Mikoto stated hesitantly, "Well we came to see Natsuki, but we do not want to cause her any trouble in her current condition."

Miyu added, "We will leave at first light tomorrow and will wait for Natsuki's decision. There is but a few years of our leadership left before we must make our choice."

Alyssa stood up then in respect bowed, "We thank you for your assistance Countess and we hope to see you in the near future not as alpha leaders but as friends."

Shizuru talked briefly with them before bidding them a safe journey. She waited till they had left, before collapsing upon the couch mentally exhausted telling herself, "Problems just seem to keep arising. I wonder as to what's next?"

xxxx

It had been three months since Natsuki turned Shizuru into a similar entity like herself. Her ribs had healed but the area was still sore, so she had refrained from overexerting herself if necessary. She was lying on a bench behind the mansion overlooking Shizuru walking around the maze of the flowerbeds. She was content or as content as she could be with her sore ribs. Exhaling she closed her eyes and was about to drift off when Duran brought her out of her peaceful moment by asking, "Have you told Shizuru about the incident at Romulus forest, yet?"

Natsuki exhaled a breath of irritation, for the memory of the incident had long faded away. Now that she had been reminded about it by Duran, she felt anger stir within herself, for her lack their of proper action. She had been so bent up on revenge during that time that she had pushed the issue away completely. Deep within her, she felt like a fool. One ignorant to the fact of the mayhem that Dracula would cause, slowly berated herself for her stupidity. Yet, at the same time knew that beating herself up for her lack their of response would not resolve anything at the moment or change the matter altogether. Inhaling a breath to calm herself she answered back within his mind, "My apologize Duran, I had long forgotten about it till you mentioned it." Then with haste inquired, "What is?" The irritation seeping into her voice.

Scowling in dismay, Duran knew the turmoil in which Natsuki was currently subjecting herself to. Therefore he saw no need to cause any further negative impact upon her, as it would serve no purpose or aid in what awaited them, prior to disclosing, "He moves and will soon show his plot. How is the training with Shizuru coming along?"

Natsuki slightly shook her head in disappointment, yet fully understood Duran's demeanor on the situation. She was grateful that Duran had taken it upon himself to see to the matter, where she had failed to do so herself, before stating, "I will tell her as soon as we finish our conversation. How she will react upon the news is hard to say." Pausing momentarily she exhaled a breath of weariness before adding, "She is a fast learner yet she can only turn into a wolf pup and I don't know why that is."

"Well that's to be expected, at the moment." Came Duran's reply laced with amusement.

Natsuki curious by the remark inquired, "What do you mean that is to be expected at the moment? She will only be in harms way if she cannot transform into a proper adult wolf."

Duran answered with laughter seeping into his voice, "She's in a state of calm, for the environment is secure to her and she trusts the people around her. So she has no use in becoming an adult when she shifts."

Uncertain about what she was hearing, Natsuki stated in bewilderment, "But I turned in to a grown wolf every time I had changed."

Duran mentally shook his head pertaining to Natsuki's lack of understanding, attempted to explain, "Natsuki the first time you transformed you wanted to bite my head off, as you held so much desire for vengeance. The other times you transformed you needed your adult form in order to accomplish the task you had to carry out. Would a wolf pup have been able to save Shizuru's life?"

Natsuki's eyes widen when it dawned on her causing her to exclaim, "No! No, it wouldn't have." She paused momentarily before adding with gratitude laced into her voice, "Thank you Duran, for that is good to know and I will inform her about her father."

"I will keep in touch Natsuki, and you should allow yourself more exposure to your werewolf blood as well as your vampire blood," and with that last statement, Duran's essence within her mind faded until it was completely gone.

Sitting there Natsuki pondered about what she had just been told. It was a given that every time she had shifted, she had did so because the situation was dire enough that it required her to. However, at the current moment there was no need to transform into a wolf, yet she was intrigued by what Duran had stated and so decided why not. Momentarily after reaching that decision, she had changed herself into a wolf, but it wasn't as an adult. No she had managed to transform into a pup, and in her excitement she howled.

Upon hearing the howl, Shizuru twirled around to see what the problem was only to pause. For her mind went into cuteness overload upon seeing a wolf pup Natsuki.

Unable to grasp what had transpired, as one minute she was delighted by the outcome, and the next she had been lifted into the arms of Shizuru, who exclaimed with glee, "Natsuki is very adorable as a pup. I would prefer it if you remain in this state, for it is better suited to keeping you safe."

She barked, howled and struggled within Shizuru's grasp trying to pretty much say hey, I can be bad ass too, but all she got was Shizuru's constant adorableness reaction. Having had enough she shifted back into her human form, not realizing the situation she had placed herself in, until Shizuru smirked her voice becoming sensually playful, "Well I don't mind this too."

Her growling only cause the red eye Countess to chuckle before placing her back upon the bench teasingly stating, "Now, now Natsuki you don't have to bite."

Natsuki groaned, allowing what had just occurred to be pushed aside for the moment. For there were other more pressing matters to address. Patting the spot beside her, she sternly suggested, "Sit down Shizuru there's something important that I have to talk to you about."

The tone of seriousness imbedded in Natsuki's voice caused Shizuru to sit down without questioning the reason, when Natsuki stated, "You remember the first time we met? When Duran brought me here from the forest of Romulus?"

Shizuru inwardly thought, "How could I forget. Even in anguish and bleeding out you looked beautiful." Nodding she answered, "Yes, Natsuki was badly wounded, why?"

Exhaling a breath, she articulated, "No matter what I tell you, you have to remain calm, for we have to look at this rationally, in order to address the issue." Uncertainty clawing into her mind as she inwardly thought, "I must be poise, for Shizuru's sake. I must be, cause I don't know how she's going to react."

Shizuru gestured in understanding, she would remain composed. Natsuki receiving the nod revealed, "Shizuru, we were ambushed by your father Dracula."

The moment Shizuru heard Dracula, the calmness within her dissipated causing her fury and distaste for her father to burn anew. Shizuru stood up anger radiating from her being, if this was a joke Natsuki had picked the wrong topic to joke about when she answered with rage, "My father died, I killed him. I saw it with my own eyes. You are mistaken, Natsuki. It couldn't have been him."

Natsuki suddenly got up grabbing Shizuru by the arms wrapping her in a hug, trying to ease the anger Shizuru was currently feeling by explaining, "He taunted me about your madness, which I didn't understand until a few months ago. He said he would return to kill you and reclaim this domain as his again. He said that you would fall, and that I had to die because I was not in his equation. If it wasn't for Duran I most likely would've died. I should've told you this a long time ago, but I was blinded by my desire for vengeance that I had forgotten about it altogether until Duran reminded me."

Shizuru struggled in the raven hair girls hold as Natsuki attempted yet again to reason with her, "Shizuru, you must restrain your anger," but did so in vain. When Shizuru couldn't break free she used a bit too much force to push Natsuki off. Only when Natsuki hissed in pain cursing, "Fuck," before faltering on her knees gripping the left side of her chest with her right hand did Shizuru settle down.

Shizuru promptly knelt down cupping Natsuki's cheek, worry evident upon her face, "I'm sorry Natsuki… It's just… I didn't…"

Falling on to her butt, she leaned against the bench exhaling a breath of pain interrupting Shizuru, "I know, you didn't mean it. The werewolf blood inside you tends to allow your emotions at times to reveal itself, that was why I told you that you had to be calm."

Shizuru sat down beside Natsuki plainly asking, "Natsuki does know that I am not calm at all does she?"

Breathing heavily she paused feeling the ache in her chest answered, "Yes I am aware of that, and you hide it very well, but the werewolf blood in your vein is like a boost to your intense emotion."

Shizuru looked out at the flower bed in comprehension, "I had thought I was just losing my touch. Yet it would appear I didn't factor in the werewolf traits in which I had acquired as a possibility." Turning around to look at Natsuki, when something finally dawned on her she stated, "Was that why Natsuki was so rash, hot headed, irrational and rude prior to her fifteen years of self discovery."

"Hey now, I was young back then, and who's to say that I am still not. Well perhaps not as much anymore." Natsuki answered, her eyebrows scrunched while she leaned her head onto the seat of the bench .

Shizuru nodded a smile upon her face while she playful played along, "I must concur with Natsuki's analysis of that particular aspect of her."

"Natsuki does know I was teasing does she not." Shizuru added after hearing Natsuki's groan in response.

Closing her eyes deep in thought, she exhaled a breath of contemplation which didn't go unnoticed by Shizuru who sighed in return when Natsuki hesitantly said, "I'm sorry Shizuru. My in ability to act accordingly might have caused us more trouble, now."

Turning her gaze to the gardens yet again Shizuru articulated with weariness, "If my father is back, regardless of whether you told me then or now the result would most likely be the same, Natsuki. If he wanted to attack he would've done so all these centuries already. Yet I sense he is waiting for the right moment to strike, and regardless of how prepare we may be to meet his attack head on. The outcome is yet to be determined"

Natsuki didn't like what she was hearing and stated as such, "I couldn't lay a single blow on him Shizuru. If his intent is to kill you, how can I protect you if I can't even wound him let alone touch him?"

The seriousness of the issue was grading down upon Shizuru and for the first time she could feel Natsuki's feeling of uncertainty. Quickly she pushed herself off the ground, turned around and lifted Natsuki up into her arms, causing the green-eyed tribreed to squeal in surprise. This made Shizuru smile, that she still had the element of surprise.

Shocked by the current predicament Natsuki inquired, "What are you doing? I can move around quiet fine Shizuru."

Shizuru hummed indifferent to Natsuki's remark while she carried her back into the mansion explaining, "I am well aware of that Natsuki. But sitting on the ground when we're talking about an important issue is very un-lady like and well I just can't have that now."

Shizuru continued walking, making her way towards the living area when Natsuki retorted, "Right…, you just wanted to hold me didn't you?"

When she had reached her destination she placed Natsuki down on the couch replying with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I want to kiss you to, but you don't see me doing that now do you, Natsuki."

Natsuki opened her mouth about to say something, but paused when Shizuru winked at her and sat down in the seat across from her. Furrowing her eyebrows Natsuki was mulling over the comment when Shizuru stated, "There are matters in which I need to discuss with you as well Natsuki, now that you're fully healed."

She looked at Shizuru her eyes boring into the Countesses trying to gauge her and all she could say in response was, "Oh?"

Noticing the intensity of Natsuki's gaze, her lips curved into a smile causing the raven hair girl to retract her staring. She watched as Natsuki leaned back upon the couch uncertain of what was going to come out of her mouth when she finally spoke, "They know," which caused Natsuki to sit upright in anticipation when Shizuru continued, "Well they suspect, but they're spot on this time about the truth."

Natsuki crossed her hands, unsure what Shizuru was getting at, by the mere fact that she was speaking in riddles could only ask, "What are you talking about?"

Shizuru was contemplating something and Natsuki noticing this desired to ask out loud what are you thinking, but remained silent while Shizuru answered, "Alyssa and Miyu know of your lineage. It would seem you resemble the mortal woman that Sirius fell in love with so many millenniums ago. They managed to put one and one together to figure out that you are a direct descendant of Sirius."

Natsuki answered, "You mean Duran," upon see the questioning look on Shizuru's face she added, "Yes I know who Sirius is, Shizuru. He couldn't afford not to tell me after trying to kill me. Yet, only after I severed my ties with you and sought him for aid did he tell me I was in a sense his offspring. And I know what happened that night in Searrs too among other things after I bit you."

Natsuki saw Shizuru mouthed an, "Ara," before exhaling a breath of exhaustion asking, "What does knowing my lineage have to do with them though?"

Shizuru responded in a serious tone causing Natsuki to pay heed, "They wish to pass on the alpha role to you, before their time is up. They said the role is rightfully yours and that they are tired of the continuous changing of leadership. Which doesn't allow for a solid uniformity as when Sirius ruled. That was also the last time someone had ruled for longer than a century. Sirius's brother had taken over leadership, but was overthrown before a century had ended."

As though the information suddenly dawned on Natsuki she stated, "But then doesn't that also mean you have a claim to the throne?"

Shizuru shook her head, "I was bitten by you Natsuki that was how I came upon the bloodline. If I was mortal and he had bitten me then it would've been a different story allowing me to make the claim upon his throne. The concept is similar to vampires in which werewolf's utilize in producing an offspring. However, you are the direct descendant of Duran you were born with that blood as I was born with Carmilla's blood. It is as such that we cannot escape our heritage and the responsibility that comes with it."

Natsuki was getting frustrated now, by the mere fact that issues kept on arising one after another blurted, "This is…I can't, I will not abandon you Shizuru, I have an oath to up hold."

Inhaling a breath of finality to her decision Shizuru articulated, "Natsuki, I release you of your oath to Yamada, due to your obligation."

Oh that comment just pissed Natsuki off when she stood up fuming, "You release me of my oath, you have no right, Shizuru. Fuck obligations."

Shizuru could feel the anger seething from Natsuki and stated in a soft calming tone, "Natsuki needs to calm down. Getting irritated will only cause you unnecessary pain and that I cannot bare to see."

The green-eyed tribreed had moved to the corridor of the living room and had started to pace about, trying to calm herself. But the more she thought about it the more irritated she got as she yelled, "I will not..." She paused when Shizuru was right in front of her, one finger upon her lips to shush her.

Shizuru reacted feeling that she had to stop Natsuki from getting angry any further, the only way she could at the moment. Her intent was to allow Natsuki to decide upon the matter by herself, as she had told Alyssa and Miyu. Hoping that her raven hair savior would remain by her side, sadly though with her father back in the picture she felt this was the only course of action to take, to see to Natsuki's welfare. Upon noticing Natsuki's stupor from her course of action she sternly exclaimed without hesitation, "You will Natsuki, it is the only way to see to your safety. My father is my responsibility and there for I have a moral obligation to handle the situation. I would prefer it if you were not…" Her determination faltering with the next course of action by the green-eyed girl.

Natsuki hearing Shizuru's plea quickly grabbed the hand that was placed upon her lips by the wrist, when she looked straight at Shizuru retorting, "I will not abandon you Shizuru, you are not alone in this matter. You fight so hard, yet you won't allow anyone else to fight for you and I'm tired of that. When the time comes, we will see as to what I decide. Until then you cannot and will not force me into that decision."

Exhaling a breath of distraught Shizuru lowered her head stating out of concern, "I cannot allow you to continually put yourself in harm's way because of me Natsuki. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I lost you."

Natsuki breathed a sigh of irritation trying to calm herself when she disclosed, "Shizuru no matter what you may feel about me, I have feelings for you and I've known for some time now. I don't want to protect you because of some oath. I want to, because I desire to keep you safe. I would hope to continue exploring these feelings I have for you, with you perhaps sooner than later. So do not send me off to some domain I know nothing about, when my heart belongs here beside you."

Before Shizuru could reply she felt Natsuki kiss the top of her head. The action caused her to look up, only to feel Natsuki drop her hand, transforming into a wolf scurrying out of view around the corner. The confession itself is what drove Natsuki away, as she was uncertain what might have happened next if she stayed to hear Shizuru's response. They were both emotionally compromised at the moment and she didn't want something to happen because of that and so had left with that last statement. Shizuru was nonetheless left in a state of stupor yet again in this one awakening out of her entire existence, and was tired of being caught off guard. However, this time she honestly didn't know what she would do, as she too had known for some time that she had fallen for the green-eyed tribreed.

To be continued...

Have a pleasant weekend everyone.