A/N: If you want your goodies (fairly mild though they are this time around), you'll have to go to the AO3...it's just a little extra stuff, nothing more...so you don't have to read it unless you want to read it...the actual storyline remains completely intact, as it should.

I don't own Mai HiME/Mai Otome.

Chapter 31

They had to wait out a rather unpleasant snowstorm. With the clouds blocking the sun, and the fog blanketing the land, they couldn't continue in the rough terrain. that was fine, Natsuki hadn't minded. She had required the space to cool off and collect her warring emotions, but the only thing she wanted was to hold Shizuru in her arms. To kiss her, and feel warm again...the chill was doing more than numbing her fingers.

It was beginning to dull her soul too, and Natsuki hated that.

"I was wondering where you went off to." Shizuru murmured quietly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Natsuki husked deeply. It was awkward, knowing that Shizuru was right there, within arms reach, and yet, still so far away. "Don't worry about it."

Painfully, she resigned herself to the truth, she would find no solace here in the cold and snowy north. She leaned into the tree, the bark cut into her back painfully, but she couldn't be bothered by it...she missed the warmth of another person, and when she looked up at the sky, all she saw was muted tones speaking of a storm. "We're going to head strait into the main city of Artai." Natsuki murmured then, scowling as she thought of all that awaited her. "If we do that, we know well enough that Nagi wouldn't cause a scene, though, we'll have to cooperate with his men." She looked over to the crimson eyed woman. "Nao and I will do what the guards say upon arrival, you do the same, regardless of their orders."

It was then that Shizuru looked up pensively from the snow that littered the ground. "Where is Nao?" She'd been gone all morning, and had taken a horse with her.

"You really want to know?" Natsuki grabbed her hand, and led her through the snowy path until they were standing on a rock that overlooked the outpost they had passed by before. "She's down there." Natsuki pointed to a cluster of people, standing behind thick linens. Nao was talking to the women as they beat long strips of bedding with metal rods. "I hate this place. I don't want anything to do with it, but this Nao's home, her place to belong, Shizuru...it's her rightful kingdom..." Nao didn't look it from this distance, but Natsuki could tell she was at ease. "She has friends and loyalists scattered all through Artai..."

"Aren't you the same?" Shizuru asked then. "You are betrothed after all."

At that, Natsuki laughed a little bitterly. "You're catching on." Still, it was a sight to behold, even if it was a place that was filled with unhappy memories. "Nao's a bit of a loner, so she doesn't like the big city." A small outpost, well that was another story. "She can be vicious...and in that way, she's not unlike Nagi...they're able to have this unforgiving nature to them...unyielding to laws around them, or principles they don't agree with..." Natsuki just shrugged. "Nao is kinder than Nagi, but, at the same time, she's willing to instigate a good fight. That's a quality found in abundance here...they give me respect, and their devotion, because Nao expects it. Nao's a fitting ruler in that, even as she is, the people know how it goes...they don't question her."

"What about her cousin?" That question lit a vague darkness in Natsuki's eyes, and wilted the smile on Natsuki's face.

"The people answer to him, Shizuru...they fear him, and they'll do as he orders." Natsuki backed away from the scene, not wanting to linger, nor draw attention to herself. "Even so, Nao's bloodline demands respect, and if she ever did take the throne, they know it behooves them if she sees them favorably." It was complex, and Natsuki hated thinking about the politics. "Gotta understand, if Nao were to take the throne, the power she would have over her people would be insane...she could kill anyone she wants, torture them, just like Nagi does...and even if she wouldn't, do you think the citizens would risk that, regardless?"

Shizuru shook her head. "I suppose not."

The admittance was uneasy...just like the snow that seemed to fall from the sky, a foreboding warning.

…

Down time was only a way to linger, so they didn't stay idle very long. They continued on their path when the sky was clear enough to ensure a safe travel. There was a quiet discussion among the group, occasionally speaking of a landmark, but other than that, idle banter found no place among them. The paths were covered with muddy colored ground where the snow had melted from the passers by.

Footprints were like glue, and the trail was long, but then, a large fortress wall came into view. Carved from the finest stone, it loomed over the area, snipers held guns, peering through their scopes...still there was no entrance in sight. Natsuki and Nao knew, such a place was tucked away, no one dared to argue the power Artai had.

The brick seemed to collect icicles, and they loomed wherever they could cling, sharp and deadly. Eventually, they reached a section of brick that was open on one end, a marketplace for traders, and there were wagons everywhere. "This is where we need to part ways." Natsuki said as she nodded to Midori. "Can you look after them?"

Midori nodded, putting a hand on Mashiro to guide her away from the prying eyes that were both unfriendly, and unsafe. The people who loved here were no stranger to the sight, yet even so, they gawked, knowing who had come back home. "You have my word, my blade, and my blood." She looked to Nina and then to Arika. "No harm will come to them."

"Alright then." Natsuki and Nao dismounted their horses, and Shizuru followed suit. "Shizuru, last chance. You can stay here with Midori, or come with us. I can't guarantee your protection either way."

"I know, regardless of that, I will still go with you." She grabbed her bag, and her weapon, slinging both over her back.

"We will enter the castle grounds before sunset." Midori told the three of them. "Pray you'll still be alive when we get there."

"You're a comedian." Nao waved off as she led the way, Natsuki at one side and Shizuru at the other. There was a barricade near by, and instead of going through the large gate, they decided to make it easier on themselves, and Nao called one of the guards. "Warrior!" She shouted to him, not having any idea of what his name was. He scurried towards her, a young boy, skittish and a bit underfed. He met her face to face after a short bow, but said not a word. "A boy as young as you, carrying a blade."

"My father's wish." He said with a firm nod, and that made Nao sigh.

"A mere cadet such as you, carrying a blade for our nation so young?" Nao couldn't believe it. "My cousin takes you cadets in younger by the day, doesn't he?" Unsure if she should nod or not, he didn't move. "No matter, you'll not see war for several years, not until that helmet fits you properly." She rattled it a little but and then she smiled a wicked grin for his benefit. "So kid, what do you say, are we to be cuffed, or free to walk."

"Nagi requests your presence." He said quickly, with every once of obedience he could muster. "He said nothing about capture."

"He knew we would come to him." Nao said to her companions, and then looked back down to the boy. "What were your orders?"

"To see that you make it to the castle in a timely fashion. We have no motive, only to see to your expedient arrival." He reported. "If you were to go to the castle, we were ordered not to do anything that might cause undue displeasure to Queen Mashiro. While she is among your travel party, you are not to be harmed."

"The guards are going to follow us, aren't they?" Nao muttered.

"Yes, please forgive me." He told her, a bit quietly. "You will attain your rightful form soon, won't you?" His eyes were filled with hope.

"I have no idea." Nao told him. "I hope so."

With the admission of seeing the truth in his eyes, she knew, he was one of the quiet loyalists who awaited her return with eagerness, still this was not the day to gift good news. This afternoon just wasn't the time nor place to gift him any comfort, and so, she smiled at him for only a moment. With ease, her eyes seemingly uncaring, they walked quietly through the streets.

Shizuru marveled at the brick housing that she passed by, and all the men who carried weapons at their sides. Young boys were arms to the teeth, and though everyone was dressed warmly, you could see the angry glint that spoke like screams. It was also of little comfort to hear the clinking of metal not so far behind her. Eight guards followed behind them, and eight also stood in front. it was not a welcome party...of that Shizuru knew.

It was clear that most of the people were avoiding them, pointedly.

…

The castle was nothing like Shizuru had imagined.

She thought it was going to be a cold place, but it was filled with warmth. The grounds weren't foreboding at all, but instead, beautiful. Gardens made of small pines, cobbled pathways of dark stone contrasted with the white fluff that littered the ground. Everything was meticulous, deep blacks like a void, and icy blues were the colors that painted mosaics on the walls, and stained glass with mystical hues. Even in the chilly air, crisp and clean, there was something about the castle that seemed too innocent.

It was a palace for for the finest king...yet, when they entered the grand and sprawling space, it was not a man that stood at the top, but instead a boy. His hair was an unhealthy color of gray, and his eyes were an unwelcome steel red. They didn't shine brightly like Shizuru's own crimson, and still, she knew well what must have taken place for his eye to even be such a red at all...he was not in good health, not at all.

"The prince returns." His voice was cool, an unwavering calm as he strode down the long and intimidating staircase. "Juliet, it's been a while."

"Not nearly long enough." Nao groused. "Even while I'm out, you cause little more than terror."

"I've not done anything of the sort, my cousin." His smile was sickening. Innocence befell him, a cloak that he couldn't wear...not in front of those who knew him. "Besides this nation is not your concern, Juliet. Don't forget that, or else you'll lose too much." Still, among the daggers that were sent his way, Shizuru was unsure of what to think as he greeted her with a welcome that stunned her. "You're an interesting one." He smirked to her, looking up at her form in a gaze filled with intent he'd yet to speak of. "I'm sure you're tired. You should rest after a long day. Natsuki, you should welcome our guest and show her a room in the east wing."

"She's our friend, why not the west?" Nao asked then, peering into him.

"Put her wherever you want, Juliet." He told his cousin with a shrug. "If you want her to stay with those of Zhang, I won't argue." Still, his eyes cut to Natsuki...he knew everything, there was no doubt of that. "I'm surprised, Juliet...if you are truly a man of this nation, and you believe yourself worthy, don't you think you should punish her?"

"It's because I'm a man of this nation that I don't give a shit about what you think." For show, and because she was a little angry, Nao pulled Natsuki roughly and possessively to her side. "She's my future wife...you'll stay the fuck out of what I'll allow her to do." She looked to Natsuki then and sighed. "The west, Natsuki. Make sure Shizuru's nearby."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Natsuki couldn't wait to escape the open room, knowing that Nagi wasn't being nearly as generous as he wanted Shizuru to think. "Come on Shizuru, I'll show you around." Eagerly, she pulled the woman along with her, up the stairs, and down the long hallway. Nao and Nagi watched them depart, and without missing a beat, he started laughing.

"Keep up the charade all you like." He told his cousin with a glare in his eye. "It doesn't matter either way."

"That's what I'm afraid of." She was powerless here, and she knew it.

"A word to the wise." He told Nao. "Give up while you still can."

"Not on your life, you little bastard." Nao sneered at him.

…

"You'll be safe here." Natsuki said, tired and withdrawn. "As safe as can be afforded, at any rate." She felt drained, completely and utterly so.

"Natsuki, why do you do that?" Emerald eyes were burning into the floor, and Shizuru couldn't take it. "Why keep me at arms length, when I can tell that's the last thing you'd like to do?"

The wall crumbled. "Because the things I would do to you would make me hurt even more if I had to let you go." She murmured gently, pulling Shizuru into an embrace. "I wish this could be easier." She clung tightly to the thick cloak made of wool that kept Shizuru warm. "The truth is, Shizuru, it won't be, and I know that." Her fingers tangled into fawn tresses, and as she pulled away to look into crimson eyes, and smiled, a sad little smile. She wanted to kiss the lips that were so close to hers, and found herself being unable. Natsuki pulled away, walking across to the other side of the room, pulling open the navy blue drapes that had kept the window closed. "In the distance, you'll see the tree I've talked about before." Hesitantly, she released a breath. "The scars are still there...but last time I was here I noticed something."

"What was that?" Shizuru asked, though she was unsure she wanted to know.

"The branch that broke off is still trying to grow, and it's sprouting new tips." Natsuki told her as she pressed her palm into the cold glass. "It's continuing to reach across the sky."

"Of course it is." Shizuru said, putting her hand over Natsuki's. "What else did you expect it to do?"

With a frown, Natsuki found the strength to utter something she never thought she would. "Die." She murmured quietly. "This place is a very lonely place to be...and I'd always thought that if I was suffering, that probably the trees were fairly lonely too." Natsuki shrugged as she gazed out at the far away memory that she could still see clear as day. "Do you think it'll ever reach what it's looking for?"

"Maybe." Shizuru told Natsuki. "However, I also think reaching for things is only half the battle." She tightened her grip a little. "It's about holding on too, Natsuki."