Disclaimer: Author owns nothing. Mai-Hime belongs to Sunrise.

CHAPTER 21

JAPAN: DAY 32, 9:09PM

After dropping Director Zhang to her humble home, as the woman preferred to call it despite it being anything but humble, Natsuki decided to just call it a day. She was exhausted from her sky diving activity plus she was yet to figure out what her next step will be given that she was no longer needed there. Obviously, she needed to get back to New York but when? She did not know and she sure as hell needed to talk to a certain woman that was the reason for her hesitation to go home.

The door to her unit opened and she immediately noticed pieces of papers scattered on the floor. Frowning, she examined them closely and she stiffened. Laid on the floor were not just some ordinary papers but they were pictures of her and different women in some compromising position. Most of them were not new to her. The angles looked like those taken by paparazzi. She had seen these pictures before.

"What the hell?" She muttered as she continued her stride inside the room, her emerald orbs were focused on the pictures below. Some showed her kissing different women who were obviously not sober. Well, not just the women but also herself. Mostly they were on bars, drinks on hands and disco lights behind. Some were just random pictures of her walking hand-in-hand with a woman. Picture of her and Giab were also there. They were lined up in patterns leading to her living area. It would have been romantic if they were rose petals. She also noticed some newspaper print-outs containing news of her romantic rendezvous. What caught her attention the most and made her clenched her fists were the next sets of photos. They were of her and Alyssa during their earlier years of dating. Obviously more pictures of her kissing the woman were on the floor and in perfect timeline until their last year together.

Her head snapped when she heard Alyssa's voice reciting a marriage vow. There playing on her huge flat screen television was her civil wedding which was officiated by a judge. Alyssa was wearing a simple white dress while she wore a tailored female version of a black tuxedo. The video was focused on them hence, guests were not seen. Her entire body snapped when she noticed something moved on the sofa and that was when she finally saw Shizuru who was looking at her with an unreadable expression, a document was on her hand.

"I believe a well-wish is necessarily at this moment no matter how late it is, right Director Kruger?" Shizuru said in a voice devoid of any emotion. She looked too calmed for Natsuki's liking.

"S-Shizuru, I-I can explain." Natsuki said as she tried approaching the woman.

"I do not see the necessity, Director Kruger." Shizuru replied coldly as she took a step back, avoiding contact from the young director.

"Shizuru, it's not what you think it is. Please let me explain." Natsuki pleaded as she attempted to close the distance between them.

"Are the things written on this document true?" Shizuru asked with cold crimson orbs as she lowered the marriage contract on the coffee table.

"Yes." Natsuki whispered, almost ashamed, after glancing at the marriage contract. She did not need to look at them closely for she knew their content by heart but instead she focused all her attention to the woman in front of her.

"I see." Shizuru said with a small nod as she wrapped her left arm around her torso and taking a breath to calm herself. "I should leave Director Kruger to her rest then." She continued calmly before starting to move towards the exit.

Natsuki grabbed her before she can even make a move. "Shizuru, please don't do this. Let me explain." She pleaded once again but the woman just wiggled out of her hold. Not a word was said.

"Shizuru, please talk to me." Natsuki tried again but all she got was a blank stare. And that scared her because the woman was obviously suppressing all her emotions. "Shizuru, please." She held the woman's hands in hers. "Yell at me. Call me names. Slap me. Punch me. Get mad at me. But please say something. Not like this."

"You are not worth the effort." Shizuru said coldly before retracting her hands and walking past the young director.

"Shizu-" Natsuki tried to grab her again but was immediately cut-off.

"I do not wish to be associated with you in any manner. I will have the contract terminated so, you can leave me alone." Shizuru said with her back facing the young director.

"Director Zhang is back. You don't have to do that." Natsuki said dejectedly as she watched the woman walked out of her unit.

"Fuck!" She muttered as she fumed and started throwing punches at the wall. To say that she was angry was an understatement. She was furious and right at the moment, all she wanted to do was murder the person behind the shitty little show. Not only was her privacy invaded when her exclusive photos and videos with Alyssa were accessed but the woman who started to mean the world to her just walked out of her unit and probably out of her life for good. "Shit. Shit. Shit." A few more punches were thrown at the innocent wall until her knuckles were raw and blood was smeared on the wall.

When her fists can't take the pain anymore, she decided to settle down and calm herself. A purple envelope placed on the coffee table caught her attention. She lazily reached for it and opened its content without much enthusiasm. Her breath caught when she realized what the envelope was for. "Shizuru's 21st Birthday." She whispered tiredly before leaning her head on the couch. "I fucking messed up."

JAPAN: DAY 35, SHIZURU'S BIRTHDAY

VIOLA'S MANSION, KYOTO JAPAN

The atmosphere that night was festive as guests littered everywhere around the huge and majestic mansion of the Viola family. Laughter was heard everywhere as men and women of the elite class talked among themselves, expensive and years-old wine held in their hands. Everything was lavish and screamed extravagance ranging from food, décor, sleek vehicles parked everywhere, and clothes worn by the guests. Celebrities, politicians, businessmen and high-ranking people of the society were present.

One might wonder with the mix of guests around. Wasn't it just a birthday celebration of a superstar? Unfortunately, it was not just a birthday celebration and the guests did not come for the celebrant herself. Each and everyone of them came with an agendum in mind. Be it business or politics. The celebrant, Shizuru, was not just a daughter of two celebrity royalties. She was a granddaughter to a business magnate who owned the FUJINO conglomerate which operated top companies in Japan. A cousin to the prime minister of Japan. A granddaughter of a well-known magazine editor-in-chief in France. A cousin to famous singers and celebrities in Japan and Hollywood. Shizuru might have lost her parents but her extended families' connection and influence seemed to be endless.

Natsuki found herself sitting in one of the benches adorning the garden. The area was quite secluded and only a few guests were around. She was dressed in classic black dress that revealed almost every inch of her body. A pair of high heeled black shoes was strapped to her feet. Her hair was left flowing down in nice curls. Her mask was still on. It was a masquerade party which she found to be very clichéd. Her attire was courtesy of her manager who insisted that she should go with them to the party because it will be rude not to. The woman had no idea what transpired between her and the superstar.

She tried calling Shizuru several times but none of them was answered. When she got tired of being directed to mailbox, she resulted to looking for the woman instead. Unfortunately, she was no longer in her unit. Later on, she found out from the superstar's manager that they were preparing for the birthday party which she was currently in.

She snuck out of the main hall and left her manager and Director Zhang who gladly socialized with the guests. Mainly her manager socializing and Director Zhang flirting around. She was really not in the mood for anything today. She released a sigh as she ran her hand through her hair. She was left undisturbed for a few more minutes until a little girl, probably aged four, joined her. Or rather tried to join her as the little child was having a hard time climbing on the bench.

"Do you need any help there, little one?" She asked, chuckling to the little girl who gave her a nod and pleading doe eyes but did not say a word. Her chubby cheeks were starting to reddened. Perhaps because of embarrassment or just the light reflection.

"Ookini." The little girl replied as she shuffled herself next to Natsuki, leaving no space between them. Unfortunately, the child had no sense of private space.

"You're welcome." Natsuki replied as she took off her mask with her left hand and place her left arm around the little child to secure her. Her smile widened when she got a clearer look of the child. She was wearing a cute pink dress and her feature resembled someone she really missed at the moment. The resemblance was uncanny. Tawny mane and red orbs except for the chubby cheeks. The child kept bouncing her little feet as she fiddled with the ribbon on her dress.

"I want to see Mama." The little child pouted as she stared at the young director.

"Did you lose your way?" Natsuki asked, smiling at the child.

"No." The child answered simply.

"Ahm. Do you remember where you last saw your Mama? Was she in the hall?" Natsuki further probed.

"No." The child shook her head and as if remembering something, her face reddened and looked down. "I am Shizuki Fujino. Kaninna. I forgot my manners." She continued, looking down at her shoes.

This earned her a chuckle from the young director. "Shi-chan should not be talking to strangers." She reprimanded playfully. "I am Natsuki Kruger." She introduced herself in return.

"But you are not a stranger. You are Nat-chan!" The little child beamed, flashing her white teeth to the young director.

"Hai. Hai." The young director nodded before continuing. "Do you want me to help you find your Mama? We can go inside and look for her."

"No." The little child shook her head. "Obaa-sama said that Mama will not be around until later. I don't like to stay inside. I like to stay here. Mama loves garden and flowers. They make her smile."

Natsuki noticed the smile faltered from the little child's face. "What's wrong, Shi-chan?"

"Mama does not smile anymore. She is always sad. I don't want to see Mama crying. It makes me sad." The little child looked down as a frown marred her innocent face. "They don't let me see Mama too often. Last night, Mama was crying."

"Maybe you should give your Mama hugs and kisses. That will make her smile." Natsuki offered, smiling at the child.

"Yes." The little child nodded with enthusiasm.

Few more minutes past with them talking about random things from stars, universe, the child's friends at school, her passion for music, her dreams and everything. Natsuki just keep nodding at the little child, giving a few input every now and then. She was a good distraction after all. Soon a woman clad in a modest yet elegant attire approached them.

"Shi-chan. It's time for us to get inside. Obaa-sama is looking for you and Shizuru will be down in a moment." The woman announced before looking at the young director. "I hope she was not a handful."

"She's everything but that. Don't worry." Natsuki answered after clearing her throat.

"Come on, Nat-chan. Let's get inside." The little child grabbed her hand as she started to get off the bench. Natsuki was just in time to hold her and guide her lest she will fall. "Ookini. Come on."

"You're welcome." Natsuki replied as she allowed herself to be dragged by the child's little hand, the woman following behind them.

Everyone was already in the main hall waiting for the celebrant to come down when they arrived. The child dragged her until they were in front. Two huge staircases draped in red carpet were found on both sides with a little stage found in the middle. Projectors were installed on both ends of these staircases where sponsors and pictures of the celebrant were flashed with some random greetings from people every now and then. An orchestra was situated to the right most part of the hall.

Soon, the lights were dimmed and music flowed inside the hall. A powerful voice spoke introducing the celebrant. "Ladies and gentlemen, the woman of the hour, Ms. Shizuru Viola."

A sole spot light was seen and the superstar emerged in white long gown which sparkled when hit by lights. The woman was literally shining and sparking, leaving the guests speechless. The gown wasn't really that much revealing except for the plunging neckline that reached her belly button and her back which was left almost uncovered.

The woman sauntered down and in a few minutes she was finally on the foot of the staircase.

"May I request everyone to please join me in wishing our lovely Shizuru-sama a happy birthday?" The voice once again spoke as a lighted birthday cake was rolled from the left side of the hall.

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday happy birthday happy birthday dear Shizuru." Everyone sang while clapping their hands, with background music played by the orchestra.

The superstar blew all the candles and the lights were slowly turned on, illuminating the hall. "Thank you everyone for coming. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night." She said simply after the applause died down.

Her closed families joined her on the small stage as they gave her their well wishes and hugged her.

"Mama!" The little child yelled as she finally released Natsuki's hand and dashed towards the superstar who turned her attention towards her and spread her arms after lowering herself a little. "Happy birthday, Mama!"

"Thank you, Shi-chan." She engulfed the child in her arms before kissing her cheeks.

Natsuki stood there frozen after witnessing what happened. "Mama? She's Shizuru's daughter? What the hell is going on?" She thought as her emerald orbs were glued on the two women.

The child was pointing to her direction and urging the superstar to look at towards her. Soon, she found herself staring at crimson orbs. Her mask was in her right hand. Before either of them can do anything, the master of the ceremony once again spoke. "Shizuru-sama, we have some video greetings from your fans."

Just like that the hall dimmed again and a video was projected on the two screens.

The first one was taken in a coffee shop. Quite an odd location but then again, fans can be creative. The camera was focused on two female on a coffee shop table, the one whose back was facing the entrance was obviously the superstar. The angle seemed to be taken from a third person who was sitting behind the superstar's companion.

"Oh please. Not everyone is under your spell, Viola."

"Want me to prove that?" The superstar raised an eyebrow after taking a sip from her cup.

"Be my guest."

"I can get the next person to enter be head over heels with me." She brought down her cup and played with its lid.

"Well here comes your next acquaintance, Viola. Quite a catch."

Right then, the video zoomed in the entrance and showed Natsuki getting in.

"Watch and learn."

The next minute showed the superstar's interaction with Natsuki which include the little accident involving tea, drench clothed, and a pissed off woman.

The screen darkened and this time only voices were heard. It was a conversation between a male and the superstar.

Male voice: "Already in trouble with the director on your very first day, aren't you Shizuru-san?"

Shizuru: "You don't have to worry yourself about me, Reito-san."

Male voice: "Director Kruger seems to be different from your previous 'acquaintances'."

Shizuru: "Oh, believe me Reito-san when I say she is no different. She will soon yield to me."

Male voice: "Perhaps. But you should not keep on playing with dangerous things as your entertainment, Shizuru-san. You might end up hurting yourself."

Shizuru: "I am just entertaining the director while she is here. We don't want to bore our foreign visitor, do we now Reito-san?"

The video was stopped before the lights were turned on.

"Our apologies, Shizuru-san and everyone. Seems like we are experiencing some technical difficulties here." The calm voice of the superstar's producer was soon heard. "Everyone, please enjoy the rest of the night."

Natsuki stood there with her eyes unblinking. She seemed to be frozen and her mind was working at the speed of light as she tried to process what just happened. "Of fucking course! It was just a god damn game. How fucking stupid of me?" She cursed in her mind as her fists clenched, breaking the mask in her hand. Her emerald orbs meet crimson ones whose owner seemed to be caught off guard. She noticed movement in her peripheral as she abruptly turned around and fled the hall.

"Natsuki! Natsuki, wait!" Mai called as she tried to adjust her pace and run after the enraged young director.

"Leave me alone, Mai!" She snapped before continuing her strides, they were already nearing her manager's car.

"Where are you going?" Mai held her arm when she finally caught the young director.

"To fucking hell, Mai! Now if you will excuse me." She said before harshly yanking the driver's door open.

"Natsuki, you can't drive when you're that mad. You're inviting accident to yourself." Mai reasoned out as she closed the car's door preventing the young director from getting in.

"I don't give a damn fuck, Tokiha!" She barked, getting more frustrated by the minute.

Just then, Natsuki's cheek was met by a hard slap.

"Nao." Mai uttered when she noticed the younger woman fuming.

Nao came running after Mai when she noticed the woman suddenly dashed off only to find out it was the young director that Mai was after. It wasn't rocket science to figure out what the little show was about.

"You really want to end your pathetic excuse of a damn life, Kruger?" Nao seethed as she looked into glaring emerald orbs. "You selfish motherfucker! Ending your life just because that bitch played with you? Do you have any slight idea just how many hopeless people out there are selling their soul to demons just to live another fucking day? Do you have any idea what your mom will feel when she will lose her only bitchy useless daughter? What about Alyssa, huh? Are you that fucking blind and moron to waste your life just because karma is after your dumb ass right now? This is life, Kruger. It's not always rainbow and sunshine. It's a bitch and you just have to suck it up."

"Nao, that's enough." Mai tried calming the young woman as she held her arm.

"You're a fucking coward, Kruger! You wanna die and numb all the pain while you leave all the people around you shattered? You die and move on while those who are left will forever mourn your lost. Because a part of them will be forever buried with you. Get that straight to your hollow heart." She shoved Natsuki's left shoulder before turning away and proceeding to her car.

Natsuki just stood there silently before abruptly turning to the passenger door and yanking it open to settle herself in." Whatever."

Mai was torn between following Nao and just driving Natsuki to wherever she wanted to go. A few more seconds passed by before she finally decided to do the former.

"Do you want me to drive you to a bar?" Mai broke the silence after a few minutes of driving.

"No, let's go home. Drive me to the airport, Mai." Natsuki answered before turning her attention towards the road.

"Your mom's private plane will be departing back to New York in less than three hours. I will call her to inform you're coming with her. Do you want me to get anything from your unit?" Mai asked, glancing at the young director.

For whatever reason, Natsuki's mother was at the party. Mai just dismissed it thinking that it was just another business-related matter. After all, almost all of Japan's influential people were present in the event.

"There's nothing in here worth bringing back to New York, Mai." Natsuki answered, almost a whisper. "Not even memories." She added in her thought.

The drive just went on in complete silence. Mai was being careful not to trigger any unnecessary emotion while Natsuki was obviously not in the mood for small talks.

Just a little heads up my dear readers, I might not be able to update anytime soon.