Chapter 25: Perfect Places
Panting, the girl runs a hand through her freezing and chapped lips, smearing more blood on her face. Refusing to close her eyes and give in to the darkness, the redhead sits up, startled by someone covering her mouth.
"Shh," a male eases, as Nao recognizes the voice.
Discreetly, another male steps forward, opening his messenger bag. Pulling out a roll of gauze and a bottle of alcohol, the silver-haired boy spills alcohol on Nao's wound before pressing down a gauze over it. "I got this," he whispers to Ren who nods and stands up.
Winking at Nao, Ren takes off, leaving the redhead in the company of the quiet, golden-eyed boy.
Threading carefully, Ren tenses when he sees a fallen, lavender-haired girl. Resisting the urge to run to her, he locks his gaze onto their enemy: The blonde woman who is currently pinned down by a raven-haired girl.
Hands and body trembling, Natsuki tries to choke the older woman, who fights back and manages to push her off.
Winning their current competition of strength, Mayha successfully flips the situation. Sitting up, Mayha wraps her hands around the raven-haired girl's neck, pushing down and pinning the younger girl down to the ground. Now on top, the blonde asserts her dominance and applies more strength onto her choke-hold, digging her fingernails into Natsuki's skin. Prickling holes, Mayha smiles upon seeing squirts of blood gushing out of the girl.
Grunting, Natsuki tries to ignore the stinging pain emerging from her neck and tries to fight back but is unable to ward off the stronger female.
Realizing that the dark-haired girl was in trouble, Ren pulls out his gun and carefully clocks it. Succeeding, he aims his weapon at the blonde and fires two shots before taking off and finding a new hiding spot from where he could shoot again.
"FUCK!" Mayha screams out, arching her back. Growling, the blonde looks at the area where Ren was.
Noting a confused blonde, Natsuki seizes the opportunity and headbutts the distracted blonde, knocking her to the ground. Quickly mounting the fallen woman, Natsuki punches the woman as hard as she could muster in a fast succession.
Spitting out blood, Mayha chuckles before headbutting the raven-haired girl. Sneaking out a blade from her wrist, the blonde slashes Natsuki before upper-cutting the girl with such dexterous force that it lifts the raven-haired girl off the ground. Quickly standing up, in the blink of an eye, Mayha catches Natsuki by the neck. Smirking, Mayha slightly bends her knees before shooting off the ground.
From afar, Ren looks up to the females, as Mayha, in mid-air, locks her eyes on him. Caught, Ren aims his gun at the blonde and fires another round of shots before taking off to hide.
Retaining her choke on Natsuki's neck, Mayha comes down from the sky, pressing Natsuki's body down. And when they land, Natsuki is slammed so hard that she submerges into the ground. Mayha, on the other hand, lands firmly on the ground. Pulling out a hunting knife, Mayha strokes it as she observes the beaten-down, raven-haired girl.
However, her eyes then land on darker threads. Smirk broadening, Mayha lunges her blade, striking Ren. Then, the blonde pulls out two ninja stars from her cargo-pant's compartments and lunges them at the boy, piercing his shoulder-blade and his abdomen.
Wincing, Ren closes his eyes and pulls out the blade from gut. Immediately, gushes of blood stream down his torso. Breathing shallowly, the violet-eyed boy intakes a sharp breath, grips the ninja stars, and mentally prepares himself to remove them.
Shrugging and grown bored with the boy, Mayha's eyes latch back onto the raven-haired girl. Retrieving her trident, the blonde stalks over to the motionless, dark-haired girl. "So you're the other one," Mayha starts, squatting down to get a closer look at her counterpart. "What a shame," she remarks, chuckling lightly. "I like challenges. But you, my love, are a disappointment," she finishes, standing up.
Looming over the raven-haired girl, Mayah tightens her hold on her weapon before raising it to a perfect 45-degree angle. Smirk forming, she rams it down on the raven-haired girl, crushing a vast part of Natsuki's stomach.
Feeling her insides both on fire and frozen to the bone, Natsuki jerks up from the intense pain, just as the blonde pulls out the trident from her body. Curious mismatched eyes looking down, Natsuki sees rivers of her blood running down to the earth, forming a muddled pool of dark-red. Mouth slightly open, the girl coughs up a salty, red liquid spewing in mouth. Wiping it, Natsuki's hand gets smeared in blood.
Seeing everything from afar, Nao's heart stops for a split second. "Fuck . . . " she mutters, stumbling around. "FUCK!" she shouts, digging through her pockets. Feeling a small, wooden box, Nao wraps her grip on it. In the redhead's brilliant mind, it was now or never.
"And now, for the final blow," Mayha mocks, raising her trident again, ready to pierce it into Natsuki once more. But then, beaming bright lights flash on. Confused, Mayha looks up, blinded by the lights. Smiling, Mayha chuckles; it was almost as if she was in an arena. Curtsying, the woman diverts her attention back onto Natsuki. Trident at hand, Mayha raises it, this time with the intention to kill the dark-haired girl. But then, both she and Natsuki are lifted up into the air.
"We're at the center of a magnetic field," Nao's voice echoes in the arena. "I've designed this trap to harness its energy," she continues, pausing and taking a deep breath. In the midst of losing consciousness, Nao flutters her lids open, shaking her head and trying to stay awake. And with all her might, the redhead brings the device back up to her mouth and utters a code. Green light quickly flashing, Nao's widget verifies her voice.
Then, the arena goes dark. And when the lights come back on again, all metallic-bound items are pulled to the dead-center of the field.
Bodies nearly clashing, Mayha's composed body and Natsuki's severed body are hurled together, along with arrows, guns, knives, bracelets, and other accessories.
Hesitating, Nao's thumb grazes the device's button. With just one push, all metallic-based matter would be pulled apart, which meant that Mayha would be torn apart and die but so would Natsuki, since they both had nanites in their bodies.
Looking up from her computer screen, the redhead sighs as a raven-haired girl approaches her. Closing her laptop's lid, Nao clears her throat. "Look, dude," she starts, looking away. "Whatever it is you're going to say. Don't."
Frowning, Natsuki stares at the redhead.
"Do I REALLY have to say it?" Nao starts again, flexing her jaw. "You saved my life, dude. So now, I owe you. And I'm sorry for being a dick about it . . . it was embarrassing for me, okay? You know . . . from having you save me. "
Scoffing, Natsuki steps closer. "I'm not here to collect any debt from you," she starts, causing Nao to flinch. "I don't care about our messed up past. Or if you have a hidden agenda-"
"-I don't."
Pausing, Natsuki intensifies her stare. "You're the strongest person, I know," she discloses, causing Nao to furrows her brows. "Which is why I need you to promise me that you'll protect her."
"Who? Barbie?"
"Promise me, Four."
"Why?" Nao argues, confused. "What's going on, Seven? I'm not your girlfriend. Or one of your fans. You can tell me."
Piercing her lips, Natsuki slowly shakes her head.
"SPILL."
Sighing, Natsuki nods. "Yohko thinks she can help. Help reverse the mind-control . . . you know, if it ever comes to that."
"How?"
"It's a LONG, complicated procedure."
"Usually, 'LONG complicated procedures' walk hand-in-hand with complications," Nao states, catching on. "So what are the complications, Seven!?"
Maintaining eye-contact, Natsuki sighs.
"You could die. That's it, isn't it?"
"That's always a risk, no matter the difficulty of the surgery."
"Well, it's an unnecessary risk in your case," Nao rebuts, stern-faced. "You're giving up on the race before it even begins."
"I'm taking precaution."
"No. Precaution is analyzing ALL options and making the BEST decision based on those analysis!"
"Except I don't have time for-"
"-No, dude. You just gave up," the redhead argues, shaking her head at the taller girl.
Flexing her jaw, Natsuki crosses her arms across her chest. "Just promise me you'll protect her. That you'll protect everyone."
Grinding her teeth, Nao nods. "Yeah, sure dude. Because UNLIKE you, I don't give up. ESPECIALLY when it comes to the few people I care about."
Cracking a smile, Natsuki nods at the redhead before walking away.
Grunting, Nao exhales loudly. "Fuck . . . " she mutters, alone. Everything that could've gone wrong was going wrong.
Teeth grit, the lavender-haired girl stands up, stumbling a bit. Bow at hand, she treads forward. Stopping, she spots thick branch. Then, an idea comes to mind. Quickly, she bends down and picks up a stone and quickly starts carving out an arrow from the branch.
From afar, Nao narrows her gaze on the blurry figure and decides to hold off from ending the game. She had faith in whatever the lavender-haired girl was planning.
Arrow quickly carved from wood, Mashiro loads it onto her bow and aims it at the stiff and trembling woman who has her topaz eyes latched onto her. Smirking, Mashiro closes an eye and releases an arrow that barely scrapes Mayha's left shoulder-blade. "FUCK!" Mashiro utters, pissed and realizing that she relied too heavily on her expensive, high-tech arrows. "What to do. What to do. What to do," she says to herself, looking for a thicker branch than the last one. Finding a candidate, she begins carving its tip just as a shadow looms over her.
"Tell her to stop," a hollow-out voice commands, looking down at the girl.
Tensing, Mashiro's aquas lock onto a blackish, punctured hole where a dark-red liquid gushes down. "Fuji-Fujino?" she stutters, standing up.
Looking blankly at the lavender-haired girl, Shizuru lowly growls when a figure comes their way.
"GUYS! WHAT'S-What's going on!?" a redhead calls out, limping towards them. "I CAN'T hold them much longer!"
"Then, don't," Shizuru snaps, as Nao, too, sets her gaze on the beauty's wound.
"I CAN'T!" Nao argues, sighing deeply. "At least, not without freeing Mayha too!"
"You should listen to her, Nao" Mashiro suggests, nodding at the crimson-eyed girl.
Flinching, Nao scoffs before gesturing the lavender-haired girl to continue.
"You're like me. We don't give up on our team," Mashiro starts, aquas locked on jades. "So release them. And when they come down, we ALL make a run for a weapon and strike Mayha . . . I mean, it's three against one. So the odds HAVE to be in our favor."
"It was FIVE against one, including Ren, and look where we're at!" the redhead argues, not budging.
"True. But we will have the element of surprise," Mashiro complies, growing confident. "Plus, we've done quite the number on her already."
"But we're STILL HANDICAPPED!" Nao counters, wincing from raising her voice. "I can barely walk! Much less FIGHT for my life against Terminator over there!"
"Yes. We've seen better days," Mashiro agrees, smiling at the redhead. "But you know it's the right thing to do."
Scoffing, Nao massages her neck. "Yea. Whatever. Our funeral . . . "
Rolling her eyes, Mashiro looks over at Shizuru. "We're all in this together. Right, Fujino?" she encourages, raising a brow when the silent, pale, sweaty, and dazed tawny-haired girl remains frozen. "Fujino?"
Swallowing heavily, Shizuru flutters her lids before succumbing to darkness and falling down to the ground.
"GODDAMMIT!" Nao shouts, stomping her foot and hurting herself. "FUCK!"
Rushing towards the girls, the silver-haired boy kneels down to attend to the beauty.
"Jin?" Mashiro calls out, recognizing the boy. "What are you doing here?"
"Helping. That's what he's doing or should be doing," Nao answers, massaging her shoulder. "But seriously, dude," Nao starts again, meeting aquas. "We're running out of time. The generator on this thing isn't going to last much longer! I designed this with the intention to catch and kill. Not catch and torture. That's not my thing."
"I know," the lavender-haired girl comments, smiling at the redhead. "You may be bitch at times, but you don't kill like a bitch. There's honor in you. A kindness."
Uncomfortable, Nao frowns. "Umm. Quit being weird."
Rolling her eyes, the shorter girl takes the first step forward. "Anyways, it looks like it's just you and me."
"Just as you predicted," Nao comments, following behind.
Walking towards the center of the arena, both girls look up at the floating women, enveloped by weapons and accessories.
"Let me try one more time," Mashiro suggests, loading the branch from earlier onto her bow. Taking aim, she releases it, only to fail once more, for the arrow barely pricks the blonde who smirks at her.
Frustrated, Nao grazes her thumb above the button before turning to look at the shorter girl, who smiles reassuringly at her. Nodding, Nao takes a deep breath before pressing the button.
Then, the air feels lighter and everything that was once up comes down.
Quickly, Mashiro and Nao scurry to find a weapon to kill Mayha with.
Picking up a gun, Nao aims it at the blonde before the blonde lunges a knife at her hand.
Somersaulting off the ground, Mayha lands on her feet, dodging Mashiro's strike with Shizuru's naginata.
Toying with the lavender-haired girl, Mayha easily dodges all of the girl's strikes. Bored, the woman grips the weapon's handle, blocking one final blow. Smirking, Mayha raises her foot and kicks Mashiro, sending her a good twenty feet away.
Pulling out the knife from her hand, Nao lunges it at the woman who turns around just in time to flick it away with the naginata.
"Tsk. Tsk," the woman scolds, bending down to pick up the knife. "I should've put you down when I had the chance, little dove," Mayha starts, approaching Nao and pretending to throw the knife.
Dodging the supposed knife, Nao grunts when she realizes she fell for Mayha's trick. "But unlike you, my love," the woman starts again, actually lunging her knife at Nao this time. "I enjoy torture," she mocks, smirking. Now raising the naginata up, Mayha tosses it up the air, prepping to spear it at the redhead.
Feet properly placed and ready to dodge Mayha's attack, Nao feels a sudden chill in her body from where the knife struck. Beginning to blink repeatedly, the redhead realizes that she was losing consciousness. Peeking down, she spots a pool of red at her feet. Licking her chapped lips, Nao focuses on the distorted blonde. Blinking, she keeps her eyes closed longer than she had intended and opens them to see a silver blade coming straight at her face. It was too late. She wasn't going to make it. Closing her eyes once more, Nao awaits her death.
Uppercutting Mayha with her rapier, Natsuki fends off the naginata aimed at Nao. Striking once more, Natsuki's blade collides with Mayha's weapon.
Somersaulting back a couple of feet, Mayha lands firmly on the ground and stares hardly at the girls.
Still shocked, Nao's gaze drifts down to a gun that Mayha picks up. Point blank, the blonde shoots.
Honing in to her heightened senses, Natsuki sways, jumps, and dodges all six of Mayha's shots.
Angry, Mayha tosses the gun and awaits the raven-haired girl.
Swinging her weapon at the blonde, Natsuki isn't surprised to see the woman expertly dodge her attacks. Then, a vision replays in her mind. She was at some gym, and there was a girl in front her. They were sparring. Furrowing her brows, Natsuki continues striking at Mayha, while a melodic giggle plays in her mind on a constant loop. It was like she was there, sparring with the blurry, sandy-haired girl. Thinking she had the girl figured out, Natsuki sees herself striking, hoping to either tire the girl out or wait for the girl to make a mistake before striking. But instead, the sandy-haired girl tosses her sabre to her other hand, throwing Natsuki off guard. Scoffing, Natsuki strikes at a faster pace, like the sandy-colored haired girl did in her vision, which appealed to Mayha, seeing as to how it challenged her.
Dodging Natsuki's strikes, Mayha takes mental notes on the girl's fighting style, studying her moves and predicting future strikes.
Realizing that Mayha was doing the exact same thing that she had done with the strange, sandy-haired girl, Natsuki quickens her attacks, attacking in a faster succession.
Amused, the blonde plays along, avoiding each of the girl's strikes, succumbing to a rhythmic dance of glory.
Noting the smirk spreading on the woman's lips and the ease in her footwork, Natsuki seizes the opportunity and quickly tosses her rapier to her other hand before striking at Mayha, managing to gash the woman's torso.
Almost as if in slow motion, Mayha looks down at her shirt, spotting a thin, red line running from her appendix and up to her shoulder-blade. Then, little bubbles of a dark-red liquid begin squirting out as they stream down her body.
About to strike again, Natsuki swings with all her might before her strike is intercepted by the older woman.
Gripping the girl's forearm, Mayha squeezes, hearing bones crack.
Hand trembling, Natsuki fights back before the pulsating pain from her stomach is once again present.
Raising her free fist, Mayha decks Natsuki, knocking the girl to the ground. Rapier in the air, the blonde takes it, twirling it before raising it up, ready to ram it down the dark-haired girl. Smiling, Mayha takes a deep breath before striking.
Releasing her arrow just in time, Mashiro manages to pierce Mayha's hand.
Arrow jamming through her palm, Mayha grunts before pulling it out.
Taking aim once more, the lavender-haired girl closes her right eye and halts her breathing before releasing another arrow.
Light eyes widening, Mayha looks down at her chest, which was in intense pain. Then, a taste of salt and metal starts forming in her mouth. Not long after, blood starts splurging out of her lips. Finding it hard to breathe, Mayha tries to talk but finds the pain too unbearable. The arrow had scraped her heart. Falling to her knees, the blonde looks up to the sky, which was beaming brightly down on her.
Brow raised, Natsuki looks up at the dome's ceiling. There was nothing there.
Feeling feverish, distorted, and tasting a mixture of her sweat and blood, Mayha slowly falls back, landing on her back and pushing the arrow more forward out of her chest. Closing her eyes, she groans in pain, as her body trembles and jerks on the ground.
Bow-and-arrow ready, Mashiro approaches the bio-engineered women. "I think we should end her suffering," she says, searching mismatched irises.
Nodding, Natsuki kneels down and snaps the woman's neck.
Head tilted sideways and eyes staring off into the distance, Mayha Blythe dies.
Looking at each other, Natsuki and Mashiro are startled when a loud, clanking sound is heard.
Dome opening, Nao manages to sit up and wave at her comrades. "YO!" she weakly calls out, as Mashiro limps her way.
"WE DID IT!" Mashiro beams, but then groans from pain.
"Psh. Barely!" Nao remarks, feeling too weak to sit up. Letting herself fall back down to the ground, Nao smiles, glad to be alive and happy to see birds flocking the blue sky.
"LADY KAZAHANA!" a man calls out, followed by a stampede of men, vehicles, and choppers.
Squinting her eyes, Nao recognizes the emblem on the helicopters; it was Mashiro's clan.
"MY LADY!" a man calls out, carefully picking up the lavender-haired girl. "Don't worry. You're with your family now."
Sighing in relief, Mashiro nods. "Get us the fuck out of here, Surge."
Nodding, the elderly man whistles at his men as they get in formation, forming a protective shield around their leader.
"Let's secure the Lady first," Surge commands, as others agree, walking in unison towards a private chopper.
And after making their rounds and securing Nao, Ren, and Jin, the men finally go to collect the dark-haired girl who has a tawny-head resting on her lap.
"You're gravely injured . . . " Surge notes, garnering the girl's attention. Nodding at his comrades, the man gestures them to retrieve the unconscious, tawny-haired girl first.
Tensing, Natsuki hovers, protectively, above the girl.
Looking at each other, the men shrug.
"Miss," Surge starts again, smiling nervously. "We're on your side. You can trust us."
Frowning, Natsuki manages to get up, carrying the sleepy girl. Fumbling about, the girl is steadied by two young men.
"I promise she won't get out of your sight," Surge presses, smiling at the curious-eyed girl. "You have my word."
Hesitantly, Natsuki nods and hands the girl to the one of the men before she, too, is aided.
Escorted to a helicopter, Natsuki and Shizuru are laid down across each other, as medics tend to them. And despite being dosed with morphine and tranquilizers, never once did Natsuki allow herself to give in to sleep. Instead, her mismatched eyes lock onto a sleeping beauty who looked just like the girl from that day at the carnival.
One week later . . .
Sitting at the edge of the roof, the girl looks out at the city.
"I knew you'd be here," a melodic voice chimes in, startling the dark-haired girl. "I didn't find you in your room. So I figured you'd be out here, looking at the sky. Brooding . . ."
Meeting ruby irises, Natsuki cracks a smile before looking up at the starlit sky.
"I know we haven't had a chance to talk," Shizuru starts, leaning on the edge and facing the pale beauty. "But has your memory come back? I mean, is it getting better? "
Frowning, Natsuki shakes her head and sighs before fidgeting with her fingers.
"What?" Shizuru asks, noting a change in Natsuki's demeanor. "Did I upset you?"
Shaking her head once more, Natsuki meets piercing reds.
"Then?" the tall beauty presses, smiling at the shy, dark-haired girl. "You do know we're sorta dating, right?" the beauty teases, causing the other girl to blush. "Just tell me what you're thinking," Shizuru suggests, reaching out to stroke raven strands.
Tensing, Natsuki holds her breath, feeling a tingling sensation as the red-eyed girl strokes her hair.
"You know," Shizuru starts, smirk forming. "You used to be quite the feral little Ice Princess," the tall girl teases, as Natsuki scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Ara, there it is," Shizuru adds, laughing. "My Natsuki."
"My memory has fractions of you," Natsuki starts, frowning, as Shizuru halts her stroking.
"Yeah?"
"It's like you're coded in these little puzzle pieces," Natsuki starts, furrowing her brows. "And I'm trying to get the clearer picture. Get the whole picture. But I can't. You're just scattered everywhere in my head. It's frustrating."
"Well, my darling," Shizuru starts, smiling. "Have you considered that it's because you're thinking with your head and not your heart?"
Scoffing, Natsuki rolls her eyes. "You sound just like Mr. Kanzaki."
"I sound just like YOU," Shizuru rebuts, holding Natsuki's stare.
"Doubt it. I'm not a sap."
Licking her lips, Shizuru smiles thinly. "I see your coldhearted nature is still very much in tact."
"Well, you did just call me your 'Ice Princess'," the dark-haired girl points out, smiling back. "Go figure."
Scoffing, Shizuru searches cold, mismatched iris. "I find it convenient that you remember certain things, my darling," Shizuru snaps back, smiling thinly, whilst feeling a blood-rush. "Makes one wonder what else you might remember . . . "
Expression hardening, Natsuki glares at the taller girl. "Are you insinuating something!?"
"No," Shizuru answers, smiling more broadly. "I think YOU'RE insinuating something."
"IS THAT SO!?" Natsuki challenges, scoffing and lightly shaking her head.
"The tongue can be a slippery thing, my love," the beauty starts, as Natsuki rolls her eyes. "You have said, if I recall correctly which I'm sure I do, that you remember your parents and the accident, and everything prior to that," Shizuru starts, causing Natsuki to flinch. "Correct?"
"Why would I lie about that?"
"Well, if that's case, Natsuki, then you remember me," Shizuru states, as the raven-haired girl flexes her jaw. "I'm the girl in the sundress. The one with the amethyst," she adds, pulling out her necklace. "I'm the girl you resent because if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have gotten lost, and, maybe, if things were different, and you hadn't seen me, then, maybe, your parents would still be alive."
Looking away, breathing hardly, Natsuki gets off the edge and purposely bumps shoulders with the taller girl. And without looking back, she walks back inside Mashiro's mansion.
Rolling her eyes at herself, Shizuru sighs. She came on too strong. Alone, she looks out at the city-lights, recalling how she once claimed the city as her own.
"Girl-robot looked pretty pissed," a familiar voice remarks, causing Shizuru to smile. "So how much longer are you going to be freeloading at my estate?"
Turning around, Shizuru meets playful aquas. "Just a little while longer," she teases, smirking. "I'm waiting for some paperwork to come through."
"Take your time," Mashiro comforts, smiling at the beauty.
"Thank you."
"So are you sure about turning down my offer?" the lavender-haired girl asks, searching sparkling crimsons. "I can take care of them for you."
"I'm sure, Mashiro," Shizuru answers, voice firm. "This is my hunt. So I'm sure you can understand why I feel the urge to personally hunt down and kill all those who betrayed me."
"I understand," Mashiro complies, nodding. "But just say the word, and my men will be at your disposal."
"I appreciate that."
Scoffing, Mashiro chuckles.
"What?"
"Nothing," Mashiro starts, still chuckling. "Just never thought I'd hear the Queen say she 'appreciates' me."
"Never thought I'd say it either," Shizuru admits, chuckling as well. "But you know," Shizuru starts, serious. "Ruling this city may have been my 'birthright', but I was never fit for being Queen. You were."
Flinching, Mashiro stares at her companion, searching ruby irises. "Um-"
"-I mean it," the beauty presses, smiling warmly at the shorter girl. "It was always you . . . So now," Shizuru starts again, stalking over to the shorter girl. "I symbolically ordain you and give you the key to the city," she jokes, smiling and embracing the shorter girl. "Thank you for everything," she whispers into the lavender-haired girl's ear.
Walking away, Shizuru walks past the many halls and stops a foot away from Natsuki's door. Taking a deep breath, she knocks.
Brow raised, Natsuki opens the door. Breath caught in her throat, she stares at the crimson-eyed girl.
"I was out of line," Shizuru begins, smiling apologetically. "I'm sorry-"
Reaching out, Natsuki tugs tawny strands and crushes their lips together.
At first, Shizuru is taken aback. But shortly, she gives in and starts kissing the other girl back.
Reeling the other girl inside her room, Natsuki closes the door before gripping the girl's thigh's and lifting her up.
"I'm sorry," Shizuru starts again, breathing shallowly and having her back pressed up against the door. "Natsuki, what is going on?" she asks, as Natsuki's kisses and sucks on her neck.
"Well," Natsuki starts, pausing her play. "I was trying to understand why I love you, especially considering what you said: I did somewhat blame you for the accident. But then, instead of trying to understand why, I just decided to love you. And I'm pretty sure it was the right call," Natsuki answers, now staring at the beauty's flustered chest.
"Yeah. Good call," Shizuru utters before diving in to kiss the raven-haired beauty once more.
Laying the girl on the bed, Natsuki inhales the girl's strangely familiar scent of lavender with a tinge of vanilla before stripping off her clothes.
Seated at the patio table in his balcony, the man sets down the newspaper as his butler knocks on the glass door. Gesturing the male to come forward, he takes a sip of his orange juice. "Yes?"
"Sir," the male starts, smiling nervously. "Lieutenant Tanner wishes to see you. Says it's urgent."
"Well, let's not make him wait any longer," Ichiro remarks, setting the glass down.
Standing up, Ichiro buttons his blazer, as another tall gentleman enters the outdoor space. "Good morning, Lieutenant Tanner!"
"Cut the crap, Kaguya," the stern-faced man says, glaring at the younger, light-haired man. "Everyone knows."
"Knows what, sir?"
Scoffing, the man shakes his head at the grey-eyed man. "The gig is up, Kaguya," Tanner says, reaching into his coat's pocket and pulling out an envelope. "It's all there. The blueprints. The conversations. The confessions. The cover-ups. The forensic evidence . . . the military has it, Ichi. And I mean the higher-ups, not the grunts we like to fuck with."
Heart decelerating, Ichiro loosens the knot in his tie. "What's the protocol for this situation?"
"Ichi . . . " the man starts, reaching inside his coat again and pulling out a gun. "I did what I HAD to do!"
"You turned on me!?" Ichiro belts out, breathing shallowly. "YOU SHIT!" he insults, prowling over to his colleague.
Gun's muzzle grazing Ichiro's chest, Lieutenant Tanner softens his expression. "You would've done the same, Ichi . . . "
Running a hand through his hair, Ichiro nods. "Yes. Yes, I would've."
"So give in, buddy," Tanner urges, searching grey pools. "Maybe, they'll offer you a deal, like they did to me."
"Maybe . . . " Ichiro agrees, backing away and walking to edge of the balcony. "Can I have a moment alone?" he requests, placing his hands in his pocket.
Frowning, the man scopes the area.
"There's literally nowhere for me to go," Ichiro points out, turning around to smile at his companion.
Sighing, Tanner lowers his gun and nods. "Two minutes," he parts, walking to other side of the glass-door.
Nodding, Ichiro looks out at the city. There were hordes of cars lining up on the expressway. Hundreds of people trying to make it to work on time, trying to make a living, and trying to lead a better life. Then, up in the sky were flocks of birds scattered upon the blue canvas, singing their morning tunes. Sighing, Ichiro climbs on the balcony's edge and looks down at the concrete. Closing his eyes, he jumps and splatters on the ground as screams echo in the popular metropolitan neighborhood.
A couple of days later . . .
Checking the girl's pulse, the woman smiles.
Frowning, Natsuki raises a brow.
"Everything is the same," Yohko comments, setting her stethoscope down. "You have the same, funny, accelerated heartbeat that you did when I first met you."
Smiling weakly, Natsuki looks away from woman's blues.
"You still haven't remembered me, have you, Natsuki?"
Still avoiding eye-contact, the dark-haired girl shakes her head.
"Has anyone told how I brought you back?"
Curious, Natsuki perks up, meeting glinting sapphires.
"It was your parents," Yohko answers, smiling warmly. "If their protoype was enough to sustain you then as a mere babe . . . when you were weaker and more organic . . . then I figured that same prototype would be enough to sustain you now."
"You have their notes," Natsuki utters, as the brunette nods.
"You've always interested me, Natsuki. I wish you'd remember that."
"Maybe, someday, I will," Natsuki comforts, as Yohko's smile widens.
"Maybe."
"Well, thank you," Natsuki starts, feeling awkward again. "You know, for everything."
"You never have to thank me," the brunette says, reaching out to caress Natsuki's cheek. "Please, don't forget to see me for your routinely check-ups."
"Yeah," Natsuki promises, backing away from the woman's touch. "Thanks again," she says, jumping off the medical table.
"Any time," Yohko mutters to herself, as the dark-haired girl walks out of her office.
Sighing, Yohko reaches for her coffee and sits down on her chair.
"Still doesn't remember you, huh?" a female comments, entering the office.
Smiling, Yohko turns around to face a certain, gifted young woman. "Nope."
"Bummer."
"It really is."
"If it makes you feel better," Erstin starts, sitting atop the table. "She doesn't remember me either OR Ghost for that matter!"
"Ouch."
"Just don't tell Ghost. He'll take it to heart."
"Of course," the brunette complies, chuckling. "So what have you got for me this morning?"
"A lot of ideas with zero to nothing concreteness."
"Ah. Just the way I like science."
"Hey, a girl can dream," the blonde jokes, as she pulls out her notepad and starts presenting her ideas to her superior.
"Check. Mate."
"BOLLOCKS!" the girl screams, tipping the table.
Bursting out laughing, the other girl clutches her stomach. "You're SUCH an IDIOT!"
"SCREW YOU, PRINCESS!"
"No thanks!" Mashiro manages to say in-between laughing. "That's my future FIANCE'S job!"
Stiffening, the redhead clears her throat. "Congratulations on that by the way."
"Nao . . ."
"It's cool," the redhead assures, smiling awkwardly.
"We agreed it was for the best."
"I'm aware of that," Nao agrees, smiling nervously. "It was MY idea, after all."
"My clan," Mashiro starts, voice firmer. "My family goes first. It will ALWAYS go first."
"Just as mine goes first."
"Right," Mashiro agrees, pausing and quickly biting her lip. "Especially now that Reito handed you the reigns to the Kanzaki clan."
"Yup."
"So we both know what would happen if we-"
"-We've already discussed it once," Nao interjects, glaring at the shorter girl. "There's no need to have that conversation again."
Internally wincing, Mashiro nods. "As you wish."
"You're with Ren, now," Nao starts, frowning. "And I think it's time I give you guys some space. I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
"He doesn't mind," Mashiro rebuts, searching jades.
"Yes, he does."
"He knows-"
"-I need space," Nao interrupts, standing up. "Give me time. Give me space. Please," she requests, as Mashiro sighs and nods. "And you know that I, um, wish you all the happiness in the world, right?"
"I know," Mashiro replies, trying to keep her composure. "And I wish that and more for you, Nao."
Throat heavy, Nao nods at the lavender-haired girl before walking away from her.
Watching Nao leave, Mashiro says goodbye to a part of her heart that will always ache and glow for that particular redhead. But against her deepest desires, her heart also chose Ren; he was her future. He was loyal. He loved her. He respected her. And like her, Ren would put his clan, his family, above all else. He wouldn't be biased, power-hungry, corrupt, or clouded with judgment. Ren would analyze the situations and make a decision that best suited his people. Ren was her confidant, adviser, and partner. It was time they made it official.
Door closing, Mashiro fidgets with her engagement ring. Moreover, Nao would pick her clan over hers, and that simply wouldn't do. Mashiro needed a partner, not an adversary. And now that Nao was the leader of the Kanzaki clan, whatever future they could've had was limited to friendship and professional courtesies. Vindicated, Mashiro smiles at her sparkling rock and envisions a bright future with her future husband. She was meant to lead. Specifically, she was meant to lead the Kazahana Clan.
Arm wrapped around the girl curled up next to her, Natsuki looks out the limo's window.
"No cheating!" Shizuru scolds, tilting Natsuki's chin.
"How can I cheat when I don't remember anything!?"
"Shh," the beauty commands, smiling. "No need to be a smart-ass."
Rolling her eyes, Natsuki lets her head fall back on the seat.
And for the rest of the ride, the curious-eyed girl looks up at the limo's ceiling as one hand strokes tawny hair and the other hand taps the side of the seat.
Coming to a stop, Natsuki perks up.
"We're here Miss Fujino," the driver states, as Shizuru sits up.
"Well!?" Natsuki asks, eager to know where the girl had dragged her.
"Aren't you a cute little puppy!?" Shizuru teases, loving this childish side to Natsuki.
Rolling her eyes, Natsuki looks out the window. Expression softening, the dark-haired girl steps out of the limousine.
There were butterflies everywhere. Squirrels, rabbits, and other small critters were scurrying by. Flowers and shrubs of all colors were blooming brightly. And nestled in the petaled trees were birds singing. And afar, a couple of feet away was a castle on the hill. Eyes watering, the raven-haired girl starts sprinting towards her childhood home.
Arriving at its gates, she finds a rather appealing motorcycle parked at the front. That Ducati was definitely a bike she'd buy.
"Surprise!" Shizuru whispers, enveloping the girl from behind. "Do you like it?" she asks, nestling her head in the crane of Natsuki's neck.
Nodding, Natsuki reaches out to touch Shizuru's hand. Twirling the girl, Natsuki lands a kiss on awaiting lips.
"So this is where I want to grow old with you," the beauty says, blushing lightly.
"How long-" Natsuki starts, trying to fight her smile. "How long have we been dating?"
"Why?"
"Well, I mean . . . this is a pretty big gesture and-"
"-And it's your home," Shizuru interjects, smiling at the shorter girl. "I promised you I was going to buy it back for you."
"Buy it back?"
"Long story."
"But are you sure? I mean: Is this what you want?"
Chuckling, Shizuru shakes her head.
"What?"
"Nothing. It's just that there used to be a time when I refused to tell you that I loved you, and now, you question me every time I say it."
Cocking her head to the side, Natsuki frowns as she cracks a smile.
Staring curiously at the girl, Shizuru wraps her arms around the girl's neck. "You're a little different from what I remember."
"How so?"
"Well, you're not as broody . . . "
Licking her lips, fighting a smile, Natsuki wraps her arms around the beauty's waist.
"You're not as angry . . . "
Again, Natsuki tries to fight her smile.
"And you most certainly aren't as much of a know-it-all . . . "
Snickering, Natsuki shakes her head. "You're making me sound awful."
"You kinda were," the beauty teases, shrugging. "But you know what they say: Love is blinding."
"Obviously," Natsuki agrees, lowering her gaze onto plump lips. "You're already quite the handful. I can't imagine all the agonizing drama you must've put me through."
Mirth dissipating, Shizuru looks away, sighing.
"Hey . . ." the raven-haired girl eases, nuzzling the beauty's neck. "I wouldn't change ANY of it. In the end, I got you. And trust me, you're worth it. You'll always be worth it."
Meeting intense mismatched eyes, Shizuru smiles. "You may not be as broody, Natsuki Kuga, but you still have your intense gaze."
"Which I'm guessing is a good thing?"
"It's a turn-on," the beauty flirts, biting her lip. "Especially in the bedroom," she continues, leaning in to kiss the raven-haired girl.
Awaiting the taller girl's lips, Natsuki grunts when no lips come.
"Darling, you're going to have to earn it," Shizuru teases, as Natsuki rolls her eyes. "Perhaps you can start by giving me a grand tour?"
Grinning, the raven-haired girl slings the tawny-haired girl onto her shoulder and rushes inside the mansion where, sometime in the future, they would adopt their first puppy and then their second puppy. Eventually, it would also be the home where they'd marry in private in the company of their closest friends, which included Mashiro and her family of four, as well as Nao, Yohko, Erstin, Reito, and the Kanzaki clan. And even further into the future, their home would eventually shelter and care for a set of twins, Amy Viola and Saeko Rai. Carried by Shizuru, Amy inherited hers and her mother's cockiness and wit, while Rai, named after Natsiku's father, Ryuu, inherited Shizuru's late sister's goodhearted nature. Yet even with their contrasts, Amy and Rai were as close as Shizuru and Amy once were. And for many blissful years, Shizuru and Natsuki lived in harmony and in love, finding the happiness that they secretly wanted and craved, given the downturns life had given them.
A/N: Well, that's it lol. I sincerely hope it wasn't awful. And sorry for the wait. I'll admit I was enjoying my holiday.