AN: 36/50 wow we almost there 14 more to go!

Disclaimer: I don't own Mai-hime. If I did I would be rich well not really yawl!

"Thinking"

Warning: Mild and heavy themes of profanity, Futa its fan fiction, not reality right?*

Breakfast went off without a hitch the forest green eyed teen could not focus on anything as she glanced over towards the empress. Every so often the empress and her eyes would meet then to be drawn away by their nerves as well as audience that was before them. It wasn't until Shizuru spoke in her regular stern tone, but underneath the surface Natsuki knew that the woman before her had every intention of smiling.

"I have heard talk amongst the soldiers of a young captain a few years back who came from Seno valley," said Haruka putting a piece of bacon in her mouth.

"I'm glad my reputation has reached your ears judge Steel Heart you honor," spoke Chie.

"It's nothing, please call me Haruka my mate hates the thought of titles in her home."

"Ok hono- I mean Haruka."

"So why did you quit and start to work in Ivalice," asked the lioness.

"Dear that's not a question you should ask."

"Oh no lady Yukino it's alright I don't mind the questions. Well I quit because and pardon me if I say this I quit because of the corruption within the court."

"Oh I see…so do you have proof of this claim," said the lioness with a challenging smirk.

"No but it's a feeling that I have had oh so many times as well as seen. I have seen comrades die before my eyes young boys and girls both demon and unknown, who have never learned the warmth of a mate go into a battle to be killed. These battles where only sometimes used as entertainment for the upper nobles to fight over petty territories. So I don't have proof, but I'm sorry to say the court is nothing, but a pissing contest for the wealthy to gain the empress's attention."

"So you stand by these convictions," asked Haruka with intense burning eyes. The room suddenly felt uncomfortable as Natsuki looked over towards her mate signaling help. Shizuru just delivered a warm smile to the teen as if she knew what was to happen.

"Yes I do stand by them even if it's called treason I love this land and I will protect it with my life, but I can no longer stand by and let these tragedies go by it took the empress to convince me of that." Everyone watched as the disgruntled look on Haruka's face faded off into a happy smile.

"Well…if you're here to make a difference you have my support." Chie looked with a smile before bowing towards the judge of steel and heart.

"Thank you…"

Soon everyone's plates were cleaned and Shizuru looked towards everyone before speaking in her firm yet gentle tone. Everyone's attention turned towards the red ruby eyed woman before them.

"Everyone I have an announcement to make concerning the return of Natsuki towards her world." Everyone look attentively including Natsuki who looked nervous herself at the announcement.

"It turns out that you have a way to get back home."

Natsuki's eyes looked in shock at the fox demon before her heart sunk as her mind floated with questions of doubt. Listening in on the rest of what the empress had to say she listened.

"It says within the time of mating season this spring the gate will be opened and Natsuki can return towards her world but only during the eclipse," said Shizuru firmly. Everyone looked with small smiles at the teen that looked fiber glassed unable to process emotions she smiled before speaking.

"I'm sorry, but can I be excused." Getting up and leaving without permission Shizuru looked onwards confused at the humans change of emotions. Knowing that something was more then it lead on Haruka and Chie looked towards each other before standing up.

"Empress why don't you come with us for a small drink," asked Haruka with a smile.

Meanwhile…

"It is nice to breathe Darsharian air once again," said the teal-haired woman stepping out of the large air ship. Her armor stained with blood as well as the white-haired man before her covered and looking in the same state.

"Mmmm…the spoils of war are so nice once you deliver death by your own hand. Going into the large foyer of the fortress of Fortuneya the two looked menacingly at the power that they bent towards there will. Walking over towards the desk they picked up a letter the snow haired man picked it up reading the contents.

"So why are we here another mission," spoke Tomoe in a bland voice.

"No our dear sister in arms is announcing the heir tonight and we are invited." Taking a green apple and biting into the fruit Tomoe smiled cockily before speaking.

"That idiot of a lion has a mate are you sure it's not some whore that's carrying her heir?"

"Mmmm…it must not be as you know our court states, a whore's child with royalty forfeits within the bloodline carried by royalty. So I believe this is no joke and besides our empress will be there and this is your opportunity to make her your mate."

"Hmm… a point you have Judge Vane a point you have indeed," said Tomoe taking a bite into her apple once again.

"Why thank you Judge Reddas."

Meanwhile…

Shizuru gulped down her seventh drink of Brusharin wine, as she looked towards the two demons. Looking at them she continued to pace the small den like space. The walls in the small space contained a fireplace along the walls hung armor from every stand point of time. Along the brown walls trophies of hunts from present to past hung with all of its glory.

"You called me in here now what is it you want?"

"Nothing really we just wanted to have a drink with you before the party while the women get ready. Relax I brought this Brusharin wine it's a great year this is a celebration.

"How can I celebrate with that look on my mates face," mumbled Shizuru lowly before pacing back and forth again.

"Huh what did you say Shizuru," asked the judge.

"Huh nothing…" Walking over slowly and setting in the brown leather chair she placed her head in her hands covering her eyes from the two. After a moment of silence the two watched as Shizuru took a deep breath before speaking her voice grave with concern and curiosity.

"Haruka, Chie can I trust you two with something that won't leave this room?" Looking at each other and nodding they both spoke there agreement.

"Yes you can trust us Shizuru now what's going on my friend?"

"I want to know…"

"Yes…"

"I want to know what it feels like to love a human."

AN: R&R

Preview: "What's it like to love a demon?"

Zero