The Last Lycan
Set in an old, enchanted world, a young mage stumbles upon a reclusive Lycan, who has lost her powers of transformation. The Lycan distrusts humans because of its past and thus, the mage finds herself thrown into the topmost tower as a prisoner for trespassing.
A/N: Okay guys, to clarify – Natsuki is unable to change back into her human form from the curse. Besides being that big, bad wolf towering over Mai and Nao, she basically retains everything else. Her clothes, her speech, opposable thumbs etc.. Just think of a midnight blue lycanthrope with charming green eyes – topped off with a nice, white cotton top and matching pants/cape.
Also, I've decided to rush out this chapter in time for Christmas. I hope you guys like it. Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Chapter 4
Italics – Thoughts
A few hours later, lidded eyes open to reveal sharp, crimson irises as Shizuru awakens, studying the room that she had awoken in. The remaining vestiges of cold had disappeared without a trace and so had the icy tower walls. In its place was a crackling fireplace and an extremely fluffy, comfortable bed. She finds a dark and furry figure's head resting on the bed, snoozing lightly with her body hunched over. She recognizes the navy fur and relaxes a little, soon noting that the wolf was actually snoring, even in such an uncomfortable position. She stifled a short giggle but even with the slight sound, she saw that both ears twitched, signaling the awakening of the large beast.
A paw scratching her muzzle, Natsuki groggily stands up, "You're up. Hang on, I'll get a hot drink for you.." Tossing a few mixed berries into a cup, she adds hot water and hands Shizuru the cup of flavored water, "Drink it. How're you feeling?"
Cup to her lips, Shizuru nods instead. She was already feeling much better, bundled up in the sheets and the toasty room worked wonders.
"Aren't you a mage or something.. Why didn't you.. I don't know.. cast a spell or something?" Natsuki asks, scratching her head awkwardly.
Shizuru sets the cup aside on the bedside table, "Ara, I'm afraid that arcane magic is my cup of tea, instead of fire. I only wield the energy it provides."
"Oh.." Natsuki is at a loss for words, remembering Shizuru's earlier spell and rubbing her furried arm in indication, "Right.. And you don't have fur."
Shizuru smiles gently, holding her gaze on Natuski, "Thank you, for taking care of me."
Natsuki nods, shifting her weight on her paws uncomfortably, turning her head away to avoid Shizuru's gaze. Questions burned in her mind. Why didn't she just escape instead of freezing to death in the cell? With the magic she possesses, she should have been long gone by now.
Shizuru had noticed Natsuki's discomfort around her and decided that she should return to the tower, lest she caused the young wolf further distress. Besides, she was already feeling better and she did not want to impose further.
"Hey! What're you doing?" Natsuki exclaims when she notices the brunette starting to get up from the bed.
"Ara, I'm feeling much better. I think that I should return the tower."
Natsuki growls. "Why didn't you escape?" she questions the brunette in all honesty, knowing the sudden question would catch her off-guard.
Shizuru eyes widen at the bluntness of the question, but she recovers easily with a chuckle, "It was my fault for trespassing onto your property and for attacking you. I would like to apologize again for that. If imprisonment is deemed fit by you, I promise I shall not escape."
Green eyes lock on reds for a full minute and even Shizuru shifts a little at the steely gaze. She could almost see the cogs in the lycanthrope's head turning – as though contemplating the possibility of someone promising that would even intend to keep it. As though on cue, the midnight wolf sucks in a breath, squaring her shoulders and straightens to her full height. Her viridian orbs were now gleaming with evident recognition and there was almost a hint of a smirk on her muzzle – she had detected no trace of untruth in Shizuru's word from her words and scent. The mage's heartbeat and voice had remained constant throughout, no spikes in frequency from what Natsuki could hear and smell. Yet, she wasn't certain. Perhaps this woman before her was a trained liar – Natsuki was more than familiar with people who could lie their way through anything – a certain rambunctious and aggravating redhead immediately came to mind.
Shizuru watched silently as the lycanthrope's tail swished from side to side, the markings on its forehead creasing as it was deep in thought. She thought she spotted a scowl on its face. She peered curiously at the tall beast in front of her, thinking that it was rather cute when it looked like that and she wondered if she could ever get the lycan to trust her enough to show her human form. She guessed that it was guarded against her, seeing that she was a complete stranger.
"Oi, What're you staring at?" Natsuki grumbles, causing crimson eyes to snap back and meet her gaze, feeling herself getting uncomfortable when she noticed that the mage was checking her out.
"Ara, I was just thinking that that scowl looks rather good on you," Shizuru replies truthfully, with a hint of amusement. Somehow, she didn't feel afraid of the hulking animal before her at all, sensing full well that the earlier treatment was just an act of brashness. She could tell, from the way she was taken care of, that the large beast was in fact, extremely kind despite her fearsome outward appearance. In fact, no one had ever been so blunt to her before and Shizuru found herself starting to appreciate it.
"W-what?" Natsuki herself was startled at the very candid response but she shakes her head and regains her composure with a growl, feeling rather thankful for the fur that was covering her heated face. "Come."
Shizuru tilts her head, but obliges and follows the lycan wordlessly. Natsuki had already threw the doors open and was striding out into the hallways. The carpeted floors were plush and decorated with large, imposing windows where she could view the beautiful sunset amongst the mountains in the horizon. There was no time to admire the view however, as Natsuki kept up the pace, her black cape billowing behind her. "Where are we going?" Shizuru asks as she tries to keep up with the wolf, noticing that they were walking away from the tower that was her prison for a day.
"Your room," Natsuki replies without turning her head.
".. What do you mean?"
"Do you prefer the tower, then?" Natsuki replies gruffly, stopping to turn around and eye the girl with a raised eyebrow.
Shizuru shakes her head, "No, I would prefer a room. Thank you."
Natsuki grunts her approval and continues walking forward. They walked a few steps ahead in slience before Natsuki cleared her throat, "So, the kitchen's downstairs. Mai and Amber usually keep it stocked. Basically you will find everything you need in the castle. The doors are unlocked." Her eyes then darken, enveloping them with a thunderous aura, "You gave your word to me, I trust you shall keep it."
They stop outside a room and Natsuki swings the door open to reveal a large double bed, complete with a fire pit and reclining lounge chair. Shizuru gave the room a once over, noticing that the room was impeccably maintained – embossed wallpapers lined the walls, pristine lacquered wood as the flooring and a beautiful painting of the castle hung over the bed. "You'll stay here," Natsuki mutters, hunching over the fireplace to start a fire. When a warm glow illuminates the room, Natsuki eyes Shizuru with a frown, "There's also a gated garden behind the castle. Stay out of it." With that, she flips her cape and turns on her heel, shutting the door tightly behind her.
".. Goodnight," Shizuru murmurs at the doors.
XXX
The next morning, Amber was already in the kitchen before dawn. She had, in her hands, a tray of freshly baked breads and a pot of tea. "Mum!" Mai calls, her head sticking out from the doorway. "You forgot the jam!"
"Oh! Right! Thanks, Mai dear," Amber smiles warmly at her child. "Nao! Don't be lazy and help your mother and Mai out!"
Nao, who was slouched on the dining table gets up slowly and trudges to the back. Amber promptly heard a smack and a loud whine from her, "Owwww! Mother! That was SO uncalled for! I was here to help!"
"Oh don't be a child, Nao! It was just a smack on your buns. Besides, I'm already done with cooking, so do get some plates over here," Julia chides the lazy Nao.
"I'll be back in a bit, Hon!" Amber yells out to her partner, before opening the door. To her utmost surprise, she was met with an equally stunned Shizuru, standing in the doorway. "Shizuru!" she exclaims, "What're you doing here?!"
"Shizuru?!" Julia echoes, her head sticking out of the kitchen with a pan and spatula in hand. Two other heads soon popped out, their faces crossed in horror at the sight of the bewildered young mage.
"Ara," Shizuru shuts the door while composes herself with a quick inhale, "Good morning, everyone…"
Nao had sprinted up to her before she could complete her sentence, "Oi! Did you escape? You shouldn't be here! Natsuki would be sooooooo mad!" She starts beckoning to Mai to help her to get Shizuru away, but as soon as the carrot top manages to scramble her sister's side, she hears Natsuki's familiar yawn right outside the door.
Viridian eyes meet with violet and lime green ones with slight disinterest at the current position their owners were in. She wasn't in the mood to wonder why on earth Mai and Nao were clinging onto Shizuru for dear life in the early morning. "Morning Shizuru. Get off her, weirdos and let's eat. I'm starving."
Julia and Amber exchange glances at Natsuki's nonchalance towards Shizuru's presence in the dining room, wondering what on earth happened. The last they saw of the mage was when she was locked up in the tallest towers. They had no objections whatsoever to the change though – they liked the young woman. Mai and Nao slowly peeled themselves off warily, taking their seats around the table, Shizuru included. "Thanks for the meal, Aunt Amber and Aunt Julia," Natsuki looks up from the table and gave her aunts a toothy grin. "Can I get a roll, please?" she indicates to Shizuru who was seated beside the tray that Amber had intended to bring to the tower initially.
"Sure," Shizuru smiles, flipping open the cloth that kept the bread warm and hands one to Natsuki, before choosing one for herself.
Mai shifts uneasily at the interaction and clears her throat at that point, "Shizuru, try the cranberry buns. They're pretty good, if I say so myself."
"Showoff," Nao coughs, earning herself a glare from her sister. "I mean.. Mai bakes the best bread, isn't that right, big sis?" she grins widely, showing her teeth like a Cheshire cat.
Mai snatches her baked goods away from Nao, narrowing her eyes at her sister, "You're not getting any, smart ass. HEY!" Mai yelps as Nao sends a miniature fireball her way, bursting in Mai's face and causing it to blacken.
It seemed like Julia had already predicted what was about to unfold as she was already up and over by Nao's side, cuffing her mischievous daughter on the neck. "No magic at the dining table!"
Natsuki had already gotten off her seat with a look of boredom plastered on her face and in her paws was a wet towel, which she held out to Mai, who took it with a deadly glare at the laughing Nao. Amber shook her head in exasperation, deciding to occupy her mouth with a spoonful of jam instead of chiding Nao again.
A warm feeling bubbles in Shizuru as she watches the family in their exchange. It was so casual and lacked any inhibitions. It was a far cry from the way the townsfolk treated her and she was sort of accustomed to their false pleasantries. This was refreshing and Shizuru decided there and then that she preferred it.
"So, Shizuru," Julia turns her attention to her as she heads back to her seat, "Our schedule here is pretty simple. We'd usually tend to the crops and animals in the morning and squeeze in some practice in the afternoon. Would you like to join us?"
"Ara, thank you for your consideration. Is it alright?" Shizuru turns to Natsuki.
The lycan glances up from her bowl in surprise at the question and nods, "Of course." Shizuru had bothered to ask and respect her opinion on this.. What a girl, this Shizuru was..
Amber beams, noting Natsuki's body language. They were off to a better start now. "Great! There's just a little work left to harvest what's remaining before Winter's cold comes knocking, so Natsuki and Mai'll be working in the forge today. It'll just be the four of us, then." With approving nods and looks across the table, Amber beams, continuing with her breakfast.
"Oi," Nao suddenly calls, her eyes trained on the lycan that was munching silently, "Why'd you suddenly change your mind about her?"
Natsuki doesn't raise her head, only glaring up at the curious pair of lime green eyes that sparkled with interest.
"That's good, isn't it?" Mai hurriedly interrupts, knowing the situation would possibly escalate if Nao were to continue probing Natsuki. "By the way, Shizuru, what kind of magic do you specialize in? I'm pretty sure it isn't fire, though," she adds on, remembering the purple blast of energy Shizuru had sent at Natsuki.
"Ara, that is right, Mai. I'm versed in arcane magic," Shizuru replies, lifting her hands to let a small glow of purple energy gather at her fingertips.
"Now that's pretty neat!" Julia lets out a low whistle. "I think today's practice is gonna be fun!" She starts chomping down the food on her plate as the rest of the table gape at her. A half-eaten apple in hand, she cuffs Nao and wraps her arm around Amber with a wide grin. "Come on! Let's get our chores done for the day!"
"You done, Natsuki?" Mai nudges her furry friend.
"I'm good," she replies, standing up to clear her dishes. Just before she turns and leaves, she cast a backward glance at the brunette, who had just happened to look up. Their eyes meet for a brief second before Natsuki quickly turns away and hurries out of the dining room, grabbing Mai along with her.
Noticing her friend's strange behavior, Mai casually tries to start conversation as she and Natsuki head down toward the forge, "Say Natsuki. What happened with Shizuru?"
Natsuki doesn't meet her eyes, muttering to herself, "Nothing. What's there to ask about?"
Mai shrugs, "You're kind of alright with her, which is rare, by your standards." She gives Natsuki a look when the wolf was about to retort. "You know what I mean, Natsuki." They arrive in the large room that was lined with an array of weapons and tools and Mai throws a spell at the hanging lanterns in the room, lighting it up with a faint orange hue before pulling on a pair of gloves.
"I don't know," Natsuki replies, averting her gaze as she throws on the work apron. She picks up a hammer that lay on the anvil and twirls it around.
Mai scoffs at her friend's obviously lacking attempt in distracting herself as she lights the furnace with a stronger fire spell and it immediately glows, the heat at optimal levels. She picks up the half-completed pickaxe from the workbench and starts fitting the wooden handle in, "Why did you suddenly change your mind about her?"
Natsuki sighs dramatically as she uses a pair of large tongs to pick up the now glowing steel from the furnace and places it on the anvil, "I found her freezing in the tower."
Mai was about to ask why Shizuru couldn't have just made a small fire, when she suddenly remembered the mage's different line of study and settled for making a small 'o' with her lips. Shizuru was looking pretty well and Mai presumed that Natsuki had probably spent the night caring for the girl. She grins inwardly, knowing that Natsuki wouldn't have just done that for anyone. Shizuru must have made an impression on her. That was good. Mai herself found the newcomer really polite and forthcoming; and seeing that Shizuru did not attempt to escape even though she probably could have justified her opinion further. Mai knew that it was hard for Natsuki as well, with her outward appearance and all, but Shizuru somehow didn't seem to mind and Mai was rather happy with that. Perhaps this girl would draw Natsuki out of her shell and her friend could start to build her trust in the world again.
"Stop grinning to yourself, Mai. You're creeping me out," Natsuki grumbles, snapping the carrot-top out of her thoughts. The harsh clang reverberated through the room as Natsuki starts hammering the metal that she had picked up from the furnace into shape
"Heh heh, sorry Natsuki, I was just thinking. Anyway, let's get these tools ready. The lake'll be frozen over soon." Mai chuckles as her friend continues hammering away at the metal and decides to drop the topic altogether. She knew from experience that she'll just have to give the solitary wolf a little time.
XXX
Shizuru sighed happily as she nestled comfortably on the ledge of the balcony, gazing out at the stars. Leaning her head back against the smooth walls, she closes her eyes and breathes in the crisp winter air. Today had been such a wonderful day.
After Mai and Natsuki had left for the forge, Amber and Julia had brought her out to the large plot of land that was beside the castle. There was only a small piece of land that still had to be worked on, and the three of them had spent the next few hours clearing it while Nao went off to the barns. Two curious mages had then used the entire afternoon to find out more about her; of course though, being Shizuru, she also made sure that the information bartering was fair.
She had learnt that this estate belonged to Natsuki's parents, who had passed a long time ago at the hands of a greedy shaman. The lycanthropes were living a peaceful life off the land but now that it was just the mages and Natsuki left, they had to spend most of their time taking care of the castle and ensuring they had enough food over the past decade. The details were brief, but both Amber and Julia had preferred if the story was told by Natsuki herself, if she wished to.
Shizuru was more than alright with that. Even with the brief story told by the two older mages, she now understood why Natsuki treated her that way. In fact, she secretly wished that one day, she would be able to hear the entire from Natsuki firsthand. If only she had more time to spend with the young wolf..
"Ara..?" she whispers aloud, when she hears the opening of the balcony doors, only to find herself looking at the tall, dark lycan that had been on her mind. Now that was fate for you, she muses to herself.
"O-oh, sorry," Natsuki quickly mutters, startled to find someone occupying her favorite spot in the castle and was ready to turn and leave.
"It's alright. A night like this should be appreciated with company. If it's not too rude of me, would you please join me?" Shizuru decides to try a little bolder approach, praying it would not backfire on her.
Natsuki pauses in hesitation and Shizuru could see the familiar tail swishing ever so discreetly as she waits for a reply. When Natsuki shut the door and took the seat on the opposite side of the ledge, Shizuru felt her heart skip a beat. A peaceful silence fell over them as Shizuru watched Natsuki get comfortable, wrapping her tail against herself and propping one foot up on the ledge casually.
"Uhm, so, thanks for helping out around the castle," Natsuki begins, surprising herself even as she initiated conversation; with a virtual human stranger no less! But she quickly reminded herself that this woman was no ordinary human. She had looked past her terrifying outward appearance and even Natsuki was appreciative of that. It was the first stranger that she had met that didn't turn tail and run, screaming for their lives.
"It was the least I could do, after you graciously offered me such a splendid room," Shizuru smiles warmly, honesty brimming in her words. "I really had a great time today with your family. They are such wonderful people. You're very lucky."
"They are," Natsuki finds herself smiling softly in agreement as she thinks of her extended red-headed family, "I would have been dead if it wasn't for them." She clears her throat, shaking her head as she pushes back memories of the past, "I suppose Nao didn't hurt you with those random spells she likes to throw around, did she?"
Shizuru laughs, a melodic tinkle that had Natsuki gazing at her in undisguised interest, "Ara! Nao is certainly skilled with her incantations and I certainly learnt a lot from her today."
"Learn? From Nao?!" Natsuki couldn't help but burst out in guffaws. "The last time she tried to show me something, she set Aunt Julia's entire closet in flames. And she was the reason why Mai has shoulder length hair now, just so you know."
Shizuru giggles at Natsuki's exaggerated motions – the large beast was surprisingly adorable when she started to warm up. Shizuru herself had not laughed that hard in a long while and the handsome wolf was just too adorable. Natsuki settles down, coaxing her aching tummy as her laughter subsides, leaning back with her paws behind her head. A gust from the North brings a bout of chilly winter air across the open balcony and Shizuru unconsciously shifted her arms, but the slight movement didn't go undetected. Red irises look on curiously at the lycanthrope that had stood up and was making her way across the balcony's cobbled floor. Natsuki unbuckles the glistening golden pin that was holding her cape and in a swift motion, places it on Shizuru's back before returning to her position wordlessly.
"Thank you.." Shizuru murmurs, tightening the cape around herself that still had Natsuki's warmth on it. A pleasant woody scent drifted into her nose and Shizuru found that she quite liked it.
"I'm Natsuki Kruger, by the way," the wolf suddenly speaks, realizing that she had yet to make a formal introduction of herself to the brunette in her company. She shrugs nonchalantly as though it wasn't a big deal, "But I suppose you kind of knew that already. Just call me Natsuki, anyway."
"Ara, pleased to meet you, Natsuki. I'm Shizuru Viola," Shizuru smirks, starting to feel more comfortable around the lycan already, "But I suppose you kind of knew that already too. Just call me Shizuru, anyway."
Natsuki raises a furred eyebrow at the seemingly mischievous woman and stifles a snort of laughter at her own words used on herself. "Well, Shizuru," she pauses as she lay down on the parapet, propping her head on her arms as she gazed out at the dark sky, "Let's see if you're as talented with the stars as you are with your words." She points, "Do you know the name of that constellation?"
Shizuru cocks her head, gazing up into the midnight sky as she studies the shimmering stars, "Ara, that is a hard one, but I believe it is Lupus."
"That's right, the wolf star," Natsuki smiles, rather impressed at Shizuru's knowledge. "As you can see," she flexes her front paws in indication, "That's my favorite. Though, I'm impressed."
"Ara, I pick up almost any book I can lay my hands on," Shizuru replies happily, "They are a trove of knowledge. In fact, I was just reading.." Shizuru pauses and sneezes lightly, "Excuse me. As I was saying... Natsuki?"
Concerned emeralds gaze into blinking reds and Natsuki frowns after studying the tawny-haired woman in front of her silently, "You're going to catch a cold. It's chilly this time of the night. Let's get you back to your room."
"But.." Shizuru starts, only to find that a warm paw had settled around her hand and was leading her back toward her room. She regards the lycan, who had her back turned towards her, fondly. Despite how crude or brutish she had made herself seem like, Natsuki was actually considerate. When was the last time she felt that someone, other than her parents, actually bothering to care about her, without her even having to say it? She was used to being fawned upon, but this? This act alone made her heart skip a beat and she felt all warm and fuzzy inside, despite the frigid temperature.
Natsuki pushes the door aside and allows Shizuru to step into the room. "I promise I'll hear all about your stories tomorrow, alright? But right now, you should get some sleep."
She feels a tug. A tug at her heart, the feeling coursing through her all the way to the tip of her fingers. Why was it that she was so gravitated by Natsuki? Shizuru nods with a smile, "Goodnight, Natsuki."
She turns her head away, about to close the door, but in a rare move of brashness she heeds the call of her beating heart and grabs one of Natsuki's front paws. Shizuru pulls the surprised beast closer, tip-toeing and places a hand on Natsuki's arm for support. She presses a soft peck on the furry beast's cheek, feeling the breath knocked out of her as she did and a shiver down her spine. She held it there just a few seconds longer, her fingers running through Natsuki's fur.
When she pulls back, she studies the wolf's expression quietly but detected no sense of hostility and instead, found a small, lop-sided smile on her muzzle. That and those confused eyes were just magnetic. "Thank you for your company tonight, Natsuki. I really appreciate it," Shizuru found herself with an uncharacteristic flush on her cheeks and an unfound bashfulness she never knew she possessed. "I'll see Natsuki tomorrow, then?"
Natsuki shakes the numbness off herself and swallows audibly, getting rid of the lump in her throat and lowers her head slightly to meet the brunette's gaze up close, "Of course, Shizuru. A promise is a promise. I shall look for you tomorrow morning." She had never been approached or even touched by a stranger. What was this bubbling feeling coming from the pit of her stomach and why couldn't I get a reign over that surge of emotion?
Confused, the midnight wolf then turns on her heels and Shizuru couldn't help a broad smile as she pushes her room door ajar. Oh! Her cape! "Natsuki! Wait!" she calls out for the disappearing figure.
"You can keep it!" Natsuki blurts out as she hurried down the hallways, beating a hasty retreat as her heart skipped, matching her quick pace. What the hell was happening? Was I falling for the brunette?
Shizuru's smile widens as she wrapped Natsuki's warm cape around herself, shutting the room door and curling up in bed, where she dozed off from the extremely long, yet wonderful first day in the Kruger Castle; the familiar crisp scent of Natsuki with her throughout the night.