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: So guys, with this chapter, I'm deciding to make this officially a futa and I've updated the summary as such, for reasons so that our werewolves would not die out. This will be my first futa themed fic, so please give me some leeway here! I'm also contemplating if this should be upped to M, to put in some scenes between ShizNat, but Natsuki's current form does make it seem rather peculiar and possibly offensive to some.

Hum. What're your thoughts?

Chapter 7

Italics – Thoughts

A couple of days later much had reverted to routine. Everyone was bustling around the castle and taking care of their chores. Natsuki had recovered rapidly within the few days and was back to her healthy, active wolfish self. Both she and Mai had sneakily taken the day off, having spent most of the week retrieving valuable ores and the like, as well as fashioning tools that they would be using for the next year.

"Mai," Natsuki clears her throat at her redheaded friend, who had her reading glasses on and her nose in a book. "I need your help."

"Yes, Natsuki?" Mai sets her book down and peers at the lycan in all seriousness, wondering what on earth happened. Natsuki rarely, if not never, asked for help.

"I.. er.. I need you to come to the forge with me."

Puzzled, Mai nods and trails after her friend. They arrive at the forge and Natsuki swings open the doors. She strides over to her work bench and picks up something that Mai couldn't really see from where she was standing. Natsuki held the said item in her grasp and was just staring at it. Curiosity abound, the carrot top jogs over and tries to peer over Natsuki's shoulders desperately but the werewolf was just too tall. "Natsuki!" Mai grumbles in annoyance, "You dragged me all the way here for help and now you're hiding it from me!"

Green eyes dart toward Mai and Natsuki hesitates for a bit before speaking, "So.. when we were stuck in the cave, Shizuru told me it was her birthday."

Mai raises a surprised eyebrow, "Aww. She didn't let any of us know! I didn't get her anything!"

"That's not the point, Mai!" Natsuki growls, though its effect was limited as Mai was more than used to it. "Anyway, she took really good care of me when I was ill and all. And uh, I want to do something nice for her. So.." Natsuki watches Mai's reaction and then beckons for her friend to come closer and she whispers something into Mai's ears. Mai's eyes widen in surprise and she digests the little tidbit Natsuki had confided in her. Natsuki then thrusts whatever she was holding into Mai's hands, her eyes waiting for Mai's response expectantly.

Natsuki couldn't help but beam in delight as Mai's violet eyes lights up the moment she opens the box and sees the item. There wasn't a need for words anymore – Mai's body language confirmed it. The busty carrot top now knows why her dark-haired friend was working overtime in the mines, as well as the littered curses every now and then – Natsuki had been busy searching for the perfect colored gems that were practically unobtainable. Mai was pleased that Natsuki had bothered to go the extra mile for Shizuru and she was certain that Shizuru would be as well, once she caught sight of her gift.

At Mai's obvious approval, Natsuki then felt her heart rate increase rapidly, as she realized that the next challenge was how she could present it to Shizuru. She thanks Mai for her help and the redhead beams at her. "I saw her in the kitchen, Natsuki!" Mai calls to the retreating back.

"Gotcha! Thanks Mai!"

The redhead smirks as she watched Natsuki hurry off. She had never seen her childhood friend that excited and happy. She was glad that the both of them had found one another. It had been such a long time since she had seen Natsuki with a large, genuine smile on her face and she had to admit, it was rather infectious.

Natsuki stopped at the doorway of the kitchen, her tail swishing as she paced around nervously. Shizuru was inside; that was certain, as she had picked up on her lover's light floral scent way before she had even arrived at the kitchen. The only question now was - Would Shizuru like it? Natsuki peeks through the cracks and finds Shizuru standing in front of the oven, her hands against her hips as she gazed at her latest batch of carrot muffins.

The said muffins were browning nicely and Shizuru nods to herself; unaware that green eyes were watching her; tugging the protective oven mitts off and laid it on the counter. Running both hands through her tawny locks; she ruffles her hair a little, before tying it up into a ponytail. She peeks out the window and the waning golden rays of the sun tells her that the day was about to end. And what an exhausting day it was indeed.

Natsuki and Mai had been heading up to the mines on a daily basis, far longer than usual, barely leaving any alone time for the both of them, except after dinner. Shizuru guessed that it was routine for the pair, since it was her first Winter with them and did not wish to question the mechanics of the family. As for her, her days were spent tending to the animals in the Kruger estate (something that she really liked) and having practice battles with Amber, Julia and Nao. There was a newfound freedom that Shizuru had found, not having to shy away and hide her gifts from prying eyes meant that her powers started growing exponentially. Natsuki had brought her to the castle library, a few days after they recovered from the avalanche and Shizuru had found mountains of wonderful books of all variety – spellcasting, brewing, adventure, mystery, thrillers. You name it, the library had it. Shizuru felt as excited as a little girl that day and she expressed it by showering the werewolf with peppered kisses, which were all accepted quietly by the shy lycan. After Natsuki's illness, Shizuru had noticed that the dynamics in their relationship had changed significantly. Natsuki started to open up more and her smiles were more frequent, more natural and more genuine. Hostility and distrust had disappeared from the depths of her eyes, replaced by curiosity and sometimes, even affection. Shizuru always feels wonderful whenever Natsuki looks at her that way and it was as though she was on fire whenever Natsuki returns her displays of affection. They might have been shy and tentative, but Shizuru wouldn't have it any other way.

Right now, Shizuru was busy trying to perfect Natsuki's favorite cake as a way to thank her for everything. She would have never known all this, had it not been for her. That fateful day when her life changed will forever be etched in her memory. She exhales sharply, deciding to take a quick bath before the muffins were done. Untying her apron, she bustles around the kitchen and starts cleaning up quickly. She stops abruptly when she feels her vision obscured and a familiar body pressed up against her. She feels a chuckle from the perpetrator, a throaty one that she knew so well. "Natsuki.." she breathes softly, feeling a little light headed. The fact that Natsuki still took her breath away with an act so insignificant to most, never failed to amaze her.

Natsuki doesn't respond and Shizuru feels a thin piece of metal looping around her neck as Natsuki clasps it on for her. "Happy Birthday, Shizuru," Natsuki whispers into her ear, causing Shizuru to sigh in contentment. She had missed her voice so.

Shizuru turns around, tilting her face to look into Natsuki's emeralds, resting her hands against Natsuki's chest. "Natsuki remembered."

Natsuki nods, "I hope you like it, Shizuru," Natsuki mumbles shyly, her head bowed.

Shizuru thumbs the beautifully crafted jewelry around her neck, examining the lovely blood red ruby and the elegant amethyst that rimmed it. "Ara, I shall never take this necklace off! My Natsuki made it!" Shizuru proclaims proudly.

Natsuki peeks up, overjoyed that Shizuru liked her gift. She was getting used to Shizuru's way with words by now and from what she knew; Shizuru only used that tone whenever she particularly liked something, or when she was feeling especially amorous. Natsuki knew that this was a good sign. She didn't know why, but seeing that smile on Shizuru's face just made her that much happier. An added bonus was when Shizuru spun around and rewarded her accordingly.

"Shiz.." she mutters, catching her breath, "There's also something I must tell you. And this you have to know if .. if we were to be together."

"Was the necklace a bribe?" Shizuru questions Natsuki quietly, her expression suddenly crestfallen.

"What! No!" Natsuki exclaims immediately, but then recognizes the playful glint in Shizuru's eyes despite her serious face that she had on. "You..!"

"Ara, ara. Me, Natsuki? You were saying?"

Natsuki heaves a deep sigh at her impish beau. It seemed like this side of Shizuru was reserved only for the people she wanted to reveal her inner self to. Natsuki laughed inwardly, it was a good thing for her, wasn't it? It was a telling sign that Shizuru felt comfortable with her and it was because of that, she had to let Shizuru know of her condition. Swallowing, she decides to take a direct approach, "Shizuru, I'm not exactly a male, nor am I a female."

"I don't understand.." Shizuru trails off, noticing that Natsuki was looking more vulnerable than ever and she immediately closes the distance between them by pulling Natsuki into a gentle embrace. "I don't understand, but that's not important. To me, Natsuki is just Natsuki. It doesn't change the fact that Natsuki's kind, loyal and considerate. It also doesn't change the fact that I love you, Natsuki."

Shizuru releases Natsuki from the hug and green orbs regard Shizuru curiously. Shizuru was being serious when she switched from third person, "You're not surprised or horrified, Shizuru?"

The tawny-haired mage places a finger on her chin, tapping it in contemplation, "Ara, I can't say that I am, Natsuki. Somehow I always knew that Natsuki was special. However, Natsuki needs to explain everything thoroughly to me. I want to understand."

The dark-furred wolf nods slowly, feeling a sense of relief washing through her, "I think that's why I fell in love with you, Shizuru. You have never judged me, not even from the day we met. You are that wonderful of a person and I'm glad I found you, Shizuru."

Shizuru feels her cheeks heating up uncharacteristically at Natsuki's honesty praise and her mood improving drastically; despite the fact that Natsuki's presence always lifted her spirits. She momentarily finds herself unable to reply to her beloved, looking at her with adoration. Natsuki sees this and smiles lightly, clearing her throat to get Shizuru's attention, "As for explanations, I'm not sure why I was born this way, but.. if we were to.." she trails off, using her hands to indicate at both of them, blushing hard. "Uh.. based on what I know, my children.. our children.. will be weres."

"Ara ara. I never knew my Natsuki is such a pervert!"

Natsuki's eyes widen in horror and she immediately exclaims, "I am not! I was just explaining it to you! I mean..! Argh.. Shizuru, you aren't making this easy!"

"Natsuki.. Tell me honestly," Shizuru pulls a stern face, looking straight into Natsuki's green orbs, "Has Natsuki been thinking about having children with me?"

"Well," Natsuki swallows, remembering the incident in the cavern. She was still inexperienced in handling a teasing Shizuru despite the multitudes of times she has been defeated and answers honestly, "Yes..?"

Shizuru smirks inwardly, closing her eyes and her crimson irises disappear, masking the playfulness within its depths, "Then Natsuki has been thinking dirty thoughts about me. Pervert." She closes the gap between them, wrapping her arms around Natsuki's neck and exhaling sensually into Natsuki's sensitive ears. She feels Natsuki's body tremble lightly at her touch before stiffening and grins into Natsuki's dark fur, before pulling away with a knowing look. "Natsuki.." she calls gently when she realizes the lycan was drifting off and her eyes were clouded. Shizuru loved having this effect on her beloved. It made her feel very much wanted and loved.

"Y-yeah, Shizuru?" Natsuki breaks out of her stupor, stammering nervously.

Shizuru decides to stop with her teasing, knowing that this was the best time for Natsuki to open up to her. Instead, she pecks Natsuki's cheek softly as a form of encouragement, "I'm wondering if there are any more secrets that Natsuki has been hiding? Natsuki knows that she can tell me anything, correct?"

"Yeah.." Natsuki nods, "I know that, Shizuru. And it's because of that, there's one more thing, Shizuru... that I'd.. I'd like you to meet my parents."

Arms around Natsuki's neck, Shizuru breaks off from the kiss and she peers into Natsuki's deep green eyes. It was a great honor, but she wanted to make sure Natsuki was fully certain. She knew that Natsuki held her parents extremely close to her heart and she did not want to pressure the wolf in any way. "Natsuki.." she breathes, "Is Natsuki certain about this?"

Natsuki nods, her honest eyes never leaving Shizuru's beautiful irises and picks up Shizuru's hand, pressing her muzzle against Shizuru's knuckles, "I'm sure, Shizuru. I want you to meet my parents. Will you come with me?"

Shizuru nods lightly in response and allows herself to be lead forward and they silently departed from the back door of the kitchen and down the steps. They walk together, hand in hand, past the expansive backyard before they finally arrive in front of a gate. One that Natsuki had told Shizuru that she was never to enter. It was surrounded by a thick and well pruned bramble that was over six feet tall, made so that no prying eyes would ever be able to see what it held within. The tall lycan retrieves a key from her pocket and the gate opens with a click. She pushes it open and it creaks slightly. Turning her head, she glances at Shizuru and gives her a reassuring look that said, 'It's alright, Shizuru. Come with me.'

The young mage obliges, trailing behind Natsuki as she took in all that was her beloved's sanctuary. It was a part of Natsuki's world that Shizuru had never been into, one that had been guarded so tightly, one that she held so close to her heart and was now sharing it with her. They follow the cobblestone path that was dusted in snow carefully and Shizuru passed multiple statues of stone that held Natsuki's kind, frozen in motion but as Shizuru's gaze met the stone cold eyes of some sculptures, she was certain she could feel their presence among them yet trapped in the confines of twisted magic. They had all been part of Natsuki's family. Ones that she had cherished and love, now imprisoned in their own home, by the selfish act of humans. Shizuru understood why Natsuki hated them with a passion and she was grateful that Natsuki had trusted her enough to let her into her personal sanctuary.

"Shizuru," Natsuki calls for her and her gaze meets Natsuki's, who was looking forlornly at a pair of tall statues in front of her. She returns by Natsuki's side, eyes on the pair of beautiful statues. The taller statue, Shizuru guessed, would be Natsuki's father. His firmly set muzzle, wide shoulders and protective arms over his wife reminded Shizuru of Natsuki; it was exactly the way she felt with Natsuki – protected. Shizuru immediately notices the bolt-shaped marking on the statue's forehead, mirroring the one that Natsuki carried with her at the very same spot as well. Natsuki was taller but even though she was not as built as her father was, Shizuru knew that there was an extremely lithe and toned body beneath the shirt, one that was more similar to the smaller statue that was in the embrace of Natsuki's father. Her head was turned, facing the same invisible enemy her husband was and a staunch look of determination and defiance set in her eyes, one that Natsuki sported often times.

"Mom, Dad, this is Shizuru," Natsuki murmurs softly, bumping the top of her head with the taller statue's and her left arm wound around the shorter statue's shoulder. "She's a really spectacular woman and I really love being with her. I.. " Natsuki pauses and closes her eyes. There were so many things she wanted to say, but she couldn't. She couldn't ask if her parents were mad at her for falling for someone she shouldn't have. It wasn't like before where they could sit her on their lap and lovingly chide her anymore. She had grown and she had chosen the woman to spend her future with but deep down, she wanted her parents to know and approve of it but she knew nothing could bring them back. She also wanted to let Shizuru into this part of her world and this was the next best thing she could do.

"Ara, Natsuki," Shizuru wraps her hands around Natsuki's limp arm, running her fingers over Natsuki's fur gently. She feels Natsuki relaxing and slowly releases her grasp. Looking at the Kruger Patriarch and Matriarch, she bows her head respectfully, "Lord and Lady Kruger, I'm Shizuru Viola and it's an honor to meet the both of you. Natsuki holds the both of you very close to her heart and misses the both of you dearly. While I will never be what you meant to her, I promise that I shall do my very best to be Natsuki's companion and lend her my support whenever she needs it."

Viridian eyes shift to the left to look at the tawny-haired mage. Natsuki hadn't said anything, but the affection and gratitude she held for Shizuru was evident in her eyes.

"Thank you for bringing me here to see Natsuki's parents," Shizuru whispers softly into Natsuki's ear.

Natsuki breaks away from the embrace she held her parents in and wraps an arm around Shizuru's slim waist, the other across her back, "You were the first one who stayed when I was unable to believe in anyone. You're so special to me Shizuru, and I should be thanking you instead." She pauses, burying her face in Shizuru's lovely thick tresses that smelt faintly of lavender.

Shizuru bites back the surge of happiness, her arms snaking around Natsuki's broad form and she squeezes her lycanthrope tightly. She knew that was Natsuki's way of confessing and it was good enough for her.