Marksman
A war has left a nation torn and its remaining heirs escaping with their lives. Little did the Admiral know that by taking them in, it would alter the life of his daughter drastically, especially when her curiosity draws her closer to the budding marksman. One night, after receiving news of her abduction, the ranger departed on an arduous journey, vowing to bring her home safely.
Previously:
Shizuru expelled a breath; relief and happiness washing over her as she heard her beloved's voice again, "Uh, could you get that for me? I really like that dagger. But I'm just a little.. uh.. kind of incapacitated.. right now."
Chapter 17
Italics – Thoughts
The hour long journey came to an end when Duran slowed and landed on a small clearing. Natsuki had been lying against Shizuru's warm body, exhausted and drained from the days of running. She didn't really feel like shifting, even though she knew she was pressing her weight on her girlfriend. She knew Shizuru didn't mind; and she sure as hell didn't – she'd missed her warmth and longed for her scent. The Vitilan Princess had an arm wrapped around Natuski's waist, securing her throughout the flight; and the other stabilizing them as Duran swept across acres of forests. Natsuki felt safer and much more content now that they were both out of relative danger.
Shizuru slipped off Duran's back easily, immediately turning to support Natsuki as she steadied herself on the firm ground. Duran had padded off, sniffing the air to ensure the area's general safety. He got their attention with a deep bark and started to make their way toward him and the cave that he had found. They catch up to him and he follows them silently into the dark cavern.
"Thanks, buddy," Natsuki mumbles as Duran supports her weight, allowing her to lean against him before settling on the floor. A protective wing extends and envelopes her like a soft, furry blanket.
Shizuru smiles, knowing that Natsuki was in safe hands. She presses her lips against her forehead, "I'll be right back, sweetheart." Without waiting for another word of retort from her stubborn girlfriend, she snatches up her satchel and scoots out of the cavern. She starts her search for food and water, picking up dried branches along the way. They needed it to start a fire and she had also noted that Natsuki quiver was empty. She masterfully selected the type of branches she knew Natsuki would prefer – they had done this together countless times back home in Vitilus when they were children.
Shizuru sighs wistfully as she reminisces the past. Those days seemed like eons ago and she missed it. But with the way things were, how could they ever go back to how it used to be? She had no inkling of how everything else would pan out after their return. "Damn it," she curses softly under her breath, stashing the handful of berries that she had found in her bag, before nursing the prick on her finger that was caused by her distraction. She shakes her head, chiding herself and hurries back toward the cave.
Duran cracks open an eye in acknowledgment of her return and settles a wet black nose on his sleeping master but she barely stirs. "It's alright, Duran. Natsuki's exhausted," Shizuru tells him, giving him his favorite chin scratch. He croons contentedly and nestles his large head beside Natsuki as Shizuru got around to starting a small fire. With the temporary shelter illuminated by the crackling embers, Shizuru knelt down and started to undress the makeshift bandage that Natsuki had tied around her leg. It was a clean cut wound, one that should heal effortlessly under the right circumstances, but she had to sterilize it first before applying the medicinal paste she had packed before she left the Kagen camp.
Shizuru looks up and finds a pair of emeralds observing her silently. "Do it, babe," Natsuki murmurs, patting Duran's side gently. The furry beast got up and planted himself near the entrance of the cave, so as to not get in the way, but eyes still focused intently on his rider.
Nodding, Shizuru picks up the small flask and hands it to Natsuki, who readily takes a swig and hands it back to her. The brunette works quickly, concentrating on her task at hand as she sterilizes the open wound before smearing the cool paste on the wound and finally bandaging it up neatly with cloth. She then pats dry the perspiration on Natsuki's brow, earning herself a clenched grin in return. Shizuru pecks her cheeks and stands to clear up, but was stopped by a firm hand. She takes one look at those persuasive eyes and succumbs, burying her head against Natsuki's shoulder. Natsuki's breathing soon stabilizes as she drifts off to sleep; the rhythmic inhales and exhales start to lull the beautiful princess to sleep; just like old times.
XXX
Burgundy eyes crack open to the warm glow of the morning rays and she mumbles her companion's name. Her hands feel for Natsuki's sinewy frame and textured leather garbs but there was none. Realizing that her companion was not beside her, Shizuru practically leaps upright and makes for the entrance of the cavern. She breaths an audible sigh of relief as she finds Natsuki hobbling around, an arm secured around Duran's wide neck. Both were hovering over a makeshift campfire, ridiculously alike and adorable looks of glee on their faces.
"Nat-su-ki," Shizuru makes her presence known with a familiar stretched out enunciation of Natsuki's name.
Natsuki peers up at once, eyes lighting up as Shizuru walks over to them. "Morning, Shizuru. Look, Duran came back this morning with some fishes and we made some for breakfast!" She beams gleefully, affectionately ruffling Duran's coat and he plasters her with an excited lick. "I honestly don't know where he got them though, my sneaky lil rascal."
"Ara! You have my thanks, Duran," Shizuru leans over and pecks the wolf on his snout. "And how's the wound, Natsuki?"
The younger woman shrugs, "Doesn't hurt as much. Have you considered becoming a doctor, Shizuru? I'm sure Yohko would love you have you as a student."
"And my only patient would be Natsuki, of course," Shizuru replies as she helps Natsuki get seated on the ground. She picks up two sticks of the barbequed fish that were nicely cooked, "And in exchange you would be my personal chef, yes?"
Natsuki takes a bite from the stick of grilled fish handed to her, "Mfh yhmp dinf deh!"
Shizuru laughs at her adorable puffed up cheeks, "Don't talk with your mouth full, darling. I can hardly understand you." She takes a small, neat bite from her own stick and a look of surprise crosses her face, "Ara. This is indeed delicious! Kiyohime would love this."
Duran's ears perked up at the reptile's name and he sits upright, tail thumping in excitement. Natsuki's eyes follow Shizuru's, watching happy wolf and she reassures him, "Don't worry boy, we'll be leaving right after this. We all miss Kiyohime."
Their eyes meet and Shizuru offers her a grateful look, appreciating Natsuki's consideration. But yet… She took a slow bite out of her fish as she quietly contemplated the scenarios once they've arrived back in Vitilus. … if Natsuki were to return, there would be a distinct possibility of her returning home to Kagen. After all, it was her homeland and she its' heir to the throne. With her capable agents like Yamada and Sakomizu; and the torching of the ruthless Arixian General Tomoe Marguerite; it was bound the fan the flames of war and drag dearest Natsuki along with. And yet, how could I stop her? Shizuru closes her eyes, hoping the clear her mind of all impending, foreboding and conflicting thoughts. For once, her foresight did nothing. Instead, she calmed her heart and decided there and then, that she would support Natsuki in whatever decision she made.
"Penny for your thoughts, Shizuru?" A low voice whispered softly into her ear and she turned, startled that Natsuki had shuffled up to her, concerned green eyes peering curiously at her.
"Ara, I apologize, my Natsuki. I must have…"
She was immediately silenced when Natsuki cupped her cheek, a thumb brushing her skin. "You're worried about what's going to happen when we arrive in Vitilus, am I right?"
A sigh passed through Shizuru's lips – she always read her like a book – and Shizuru wouldn't have it any other way. After all, it was mutual and both had come to a silent understanding long ago that there should be no secret amongst one another. "I just feel conflicted. I should be happy that Natsuki found her beloved countrymen, but I'm also worried that she will be endangered in the future. She has already endangered herself, clashing with the Arixians and it really frightened me. They will have a bone to pick with you, Natsuki, and what shall I do if Natsuki does not return to me one day?" Shizuru bites her lips, realizing that she'd started babbling, "I'm so selfish, Natsuki. Please forgive me. I should know better."
Natsuki wraps an arm around her girlfriend's waist, pulling her closer and Shizuru leaned in. Natsuki presses her lips onto Shizuru's cheek, nudging her lightly with her nose, "I don't have your magnificent foresight, Shizuru, but what I do know is that whatever it is, we will be making any decisions together. We'll head back home and face whatever it is together." Natsuki expels a chuckle, her warm breath tickling Shizuru's ear causing the woman to squirm but she locks her arms together, pulling the brunette close to her. "We're always good together, haven't you realized that?"
Shizuru giggled and she nipped Natsuki's ear in retaliation. The dark haired woman flopped herself to the ground and Shizuru followed suit, nestling her head against her beloved. "I love you, Natsuki."
There was a contented hum and a comfortable squeeze from Natsuki, "I love you too, Shizuru. Let's just stay like this for just a little while longer, alright?"
XXX
Back in Vitilus
The beautiful Raptor was looking up into the clouds, tail swishing in anticipation when she noticed a faint speck amongst the clouds. Bandages stripped and pronounced by Yohko as fully healed, Kiyohime had waited impatiently day after day for her master's return.
From afar, Shizuru's sharp eyes spotted her beloved raptor in the manor's courtyard. In a rare outburst, Shizuru yelled for Kiyohime and the Raptor let out a shrill cry of delight when she heard Shizuru's call. Her claws dug into the ground and she propelled herself forward, ready to meet the fast approaching Duran.
The reunion with Kiyohime was a heartwarming one. The usually poised woman embraced the reptile tightly, smiling with such delight that both Natsuki and Duran knew better to leave them to it. Kiyohime nuzzled her much-missed owner gently, occasionally bumping Shizuru happily with her head as she coddled her affectionately.
Shizuru turned, spying the waiting Natsuki who was leaning against Duran. She gingerly picked herself up, casting a smirk at the ebony-haired woman as she approached. Natsuki raised her brows in mock surprise as Shizuru wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling them up against one another. She pressed her lips against Natsuki's, closing her eyes as they sunk deeper into the kiss. She ran her hand through those silky, jet locks, loving the taste and familiarity of her partner. They parted, slightly breathless, foreheads against each other. Shizuru let out a content sigh, "We're home, Natsuki."
XXX
THE END.
Or is it?
Well, the next chapter may or may not be the final chapter, but it really depends on the readers out there. As you can tell, my schedule has become really erratic lately and updates are not as constant. I apologize for that but it's really a busy period of life.
The storyline is currently at a pivotal stage, it can go either way and I do have both ways more or less planned out. But please do review and leave feedback if you can. The story is, in a way, catered for readers, being a fanfic and all.
That being said, there are two options here, to continue (but I really cannot promise any update schedules but you'll have to bear with me); or to bring a close to this story (i.e I hate this author's annoying lack of updates, just finish it already! Grrr #%$ #^#).