It was early morning and the sun barely risen out from the horizon.

Natsuki's eyes opened gradually to see a silhouette of a person sitting at the corner of her room. Shock she scrambled backward and stretched her hands out to grab the baseball bat at the side of her bed, ready to take a swing at the unidentified person at the corner.

"Ara, who do you plan to hit at with that bat?" And with that statement, the table lamp next to the silhouette lighted up to show a chestnut hair beauty with a captivating ruby coloured eyes seated on an armchair.

"Shizuru?" But the question was immediately followed by a groan as Natsuki let go of the bat and grabbed her head. "Gosh… My head hurts"

"You were running a high fever yesterday night." Shizuru stood and moved towards Natsuki. She brushed Natsuki's hand aside and placed her own forehead against Natsuki's for a moment. And immediately, Natsuki froze on the spot.

This is too close! She could see the long eye lashes on Shizuru's eyes and the soft tiny luscious lips. Natsuki blushed and her heart flutter as she quickly glanced sideway. Subconsciously, she swallowed.

Shizuru smiled as she lifted her head, satisfied with the effect on Natsuki.

"Still a little warm but you should be fine after today. Just a bit more rest." Shizuru said as she moved to help Natsuki settled back onto the bed. "Don't move too much."

There was an awkward silence as Natsuki leaned back against the headboard on her bed, her eyes flitted around the room, not sure where to lay her eyes on.

Instead of returning to the chair, Shizuru settled at the side of the bed.

Shizuru allowed the silence to drag on for a while before she broke the silence.

"Ne Natsuki, gomenei." The softly spoken words sounded loud in the quiet room.

There was the moment of silence again.

"What is the apology for?" Natsuki muttered. She had her face turned away, looking at everywhere but Shizuru. Her hands were busy plucking at the lint on her blanket. She knew what Shizuru was apologising for but pretended otherwise. Shizuru had avoided her for the past few weeks before suddenly turning up at the elderly care center. Shizuru's behaviour baffled her. She chose to distance herself without a reason and then suddenly appear again without a reason. Shizuru was sending different signals and it was confusing Natsuki. And she didn't like this at all. Who did Shizuru think she was. To come as she liked and leave whenever she wanted.

Shizuru reached out her hands to cover the restless hands and then emerald eyes met ruby.

"Gomenei Natsuki." Shizuru repeated. "I know I haven't been contacting you for awhile."

Natsuki raised her eyebrows. "Haven't been contacting me? Make that avoiding me." Natsuki replied sarcastically.

There was silence.

"Yes well… avoiding you. Sorry Natsuki. There is a reason for it… I don't know how I could explain it you."

Natsuki broke the eye contact and looked away.

Natsuki was definitely upset. Shizuru moved her hands to cup Natsuki face and turned towards her. "Will you given me a chance to explain myself?"

There was a long silence.

"Well… If..if you want to."

Shizuru smiled. But then the smile slowly faint away as she became serious.

"Natsuki, there is something in my life that I don't know how to tell you. And because of it, I was afraid and worried and so I tried to keep my distance from you." Shizuru took a deep breath before continuing. "Do you know why I am so familiar with Black Magic? Don't you find it weird that I know so much about Black Magic?"

It seemed that the questions set Natsuki thinking as Natsuki cocked her head sideway and frowned.

And this time round, Shizuru was the one who broke the eye contact as she looked down, staring at the blue bedsheet. Her hands curled up on the bed sheet, clutching them in her fist, tight.

"I am so familiar with Black Magic because I was taught the art of casting one. Just like Ishigami, I am a Black Magician too."

There was a long silence until Natsuki broke the silence and ask "Is this the reason why you distanced yourself the past few weeks?"

Shizuru nodded her head silently. She still wasn't looking at Natsuki. She was worried that the moment she turned around, she would see the disgust look on Natsuki's face.

Even though she said she was taking the gamble - to see if Natsuki was willing to accept her for who she was or reject her once she knew she was a Black Magician. There was still a part of her hoping against hope that Natsuki would accept at the same time, there was a part of her that wanted Natsuki to see who she really was and so she spoke, "You saw how dangerous Black Magic lives that were taken by Black Magic. It is called Black Magic for a reason. No normal people want to associate themselves with Black Magic because it is evil. It takes the lives of people."

"I see…So you are suggesting we keep our distance because you practice Black Magic and it is dangerous."

Shizuru heart sank at Natsuki's reply.

Shizuru stared down at her hands. These were the same hands that were used to cast the Black Magic.

But then Shizuru saw Natsuki's hand moving over, this time covering hers, tightening over her hands.

"Can I ask you a question?" Natsuki asked, her eyes serious. "Did you in anyway seek to harm me or my friends?"

That question caught Shizuru by surprise as Shizuru looked up from her hands, her eyes filled with confusion.

Is Natsuki trying to accuse me of attempting to place Black Magic on her and her friends? It sounded like an accusation. And for some strange reason the left side of her chest ache. It was a foreign feeling for Shizuru. Perhaps she shouldn't have taken such a gamble in the first place.

"Just answer my question." Natsuki gave Shizuru's hand a squeeze.

"No. I did not do that. And I would not do anything that would cause you and your friend any harm." Shizuru looked straight into Natsuki's eyes. "I would not do that."

And with that reply, Natsuki smiled. "Then why should I distance myself from you?"

This sudden reply caught Shizuru off guard and she was taken aback by Natsuki's reply. "But..."

"Listen to me." Natsuki interrupted as she put her hands on Shizuru's shoulder. "You have saved me on numerous occasions. From the first time we met until now, you have been there saving me from danger. Yes you are well versed in Black Magic. And yes Black Magic kills. But you never for once used it to harm my friends and I. I don't see why we have to let this Black Magic issue get between us."

Shizuru searched Natsuki's eyes. "Do you know what you are talking about? It is Black Magic." Shizuru reached out one of her hand to touch Natsuki's cheek and rubbed her thumb over Natsuki's skin. "Once you get involved with me, you could be implicated. It might be dangerous for you to be around me."

"Involving in Black Magic is also dangerous for you too right?"

"It is. But because I don't have any other options. And also because I am well versed in it and I can protect myself."

"If you can protect yourself, I am sure you can also protect me too right?"

Shizuru opened her mouth to rebuke but found herself speechless. And then she let out a bark of laughter as she leaned her head against Natsuki's shoulder. "I never knew you are so good at arguing."

"Of course I am! Especially when it's important."

Shizuru sighed. "You don't know how dangerous Black Magic is."

"I have seen it in the Ishigami's case. Stop trying to find other reasons that are not going to work."

"That is only one aspect of Black Magic. You have not seen the rest."

"Then show me what else I should be afraid of?"

Shizuru raised her head again to look at Natsuki. She wanted to make sure Natsuki was fully aware of the danger. "Show you?" Natsuki nodded.

Shizuru took a while to study Natsuki's face, to make sure Natsuki knew what she was getting herself into.

"Alright then. Meet me tonight 10pm at the Otome Bar. I will show you the place where I learnt my Black Magic."

Just then the doorbell rang.

"Ara… I think Mai is here. She said she is coming over to take a look at you. I will open the door for her." Shizuru got out of the bed and leave to open the door for Mai. "We will continue our conversation later on. We can meet at the Otome Bar at 10pm tonight."

And within minutes, Shizuru returned with Mai and there was breakfast in Mai's hands.

"You look better today Natsuki." Mai glanced at Natsuki's face as she placed the breakfast on the table next to the bed. "I bought enough for the three of us. Let's eat!"

"The breakfast looked really delicious. But unfortunately I will have to decline. I need to make a move first since Mai is here. I have a couple of lessons in school today." Shizuru said and turned to Natsuki. "I will take a look at your wound later on tonight and maybe change the bandage too."

And with that Shizuru waved to the two of them and stepped out of Natsuki's house, leaving Mai and Natsuki in the bedroom. Shizuru's hand lingered at the door knob. At least Natsuki wasn't repulsed by the idea of her being a Black Magician. That looked like a good start. But she hoped that Natsuki would stay firm with her beliefs after tonight.

Natsuki and Mai started on the breakfast, munching away on the toast prepared by Mai. For Natsuki's portion, Mai had deliberately spread a large portion of mayonnaise onto it. She would never forget Natsuki's favorite.

Natsuki paused in the middle of her munching, "I called Captain earlier on and applied for leave today. I am thinking of visiting Ouji-san again later on in the afternoon. I am worried about him."

"Do you want me to accompany you later?" Mai offered.

"Nay… I will manage. Thanks!" Natsuki replied. "You have work to do too."

And then there was silence again as Natsuki focused her attention on the toast.

Mai chewed on her toast, deliberating how she should approach the topic with Natsuki. "Ne Natsuki, did remember what Shizuru said yesterday while we were driving home?"

"Part of it. The latter part was a bit hazy. I guess I was kind of drowsy and fell asleep. Why? What about it?"

"Shizuru hinted that someone could have deliberately set out to attack you."

Natsuki frowned, puzzled by the question. "Me?" Natsuki pointed to herself. "But who would do that?"

"I am not sure. Shizuru suggested this possibility yesterday night but she too wasn't sure who could be the culprit." Mai paused for a long time as if debating whether she should voice out her concern. "Natsuki… I don't know if you have noticed it but did you realize that recently, we have encountered several cases of Black Magic… especially..." Mai glanced sideway, trying to choose her words carefully. "Especially after you met Shizuru. We are experiencing things that we have never known before. And most of the time you ended up injured."

This time round, the frown on Natsuki's face deepened.

"I am not saying that Shizuru caused all this things." Mai injected quickly, struggling to express her thoughts. "Don't get me wrong Natsuki. I think Shizuru is a nice person and she has helped us a lot by solving the recent cases. But don't you think that strange things are happening around you with increasing frequency ever since we met Shizuru?"

There was silence coming from Natsuki.

Mai watched Natsuki carefully and weighed Natsuki's reaction before continuing, "Do you think... it might have to do with… Shizuru? Like perhaps… maybe you should distance yourself slightly from her? She deals with Black Magic frequently and maybe keeping a distance away from her might be better for all of us." Mai rambled on. "We are normal civilians and we don't understand Black Magic. So it may be safer to perhaps distance away from her? And.."

"Mai!" Natsuki interrupted. "I think that's enough!" Natsuki did not like people giving baseless criticism against Shizuru, not even Mai.

Natsuki paused and took a deep breath to calm herself. Her tone softer as she spoke. "I know what you mean. It seems that the recent cases we take have connections to Black Magic. But I am not sure if it has to do with Shizuru. Even if Shizuru is out of the picture, we also cannot be sure that we would not encounter such cases. We might still have to work on these cases even without Shizuru. And it would be even harder because don't have Shizuru to help us."

There was silence as Mai studied Natsuki's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that Shizuru is the cause of all these. I am just worried about you."

"I know." Natsuki smiled. "Thanks Mai. I know. Don't worry too much yar. I am a big girl now." Natsuki said jokingly. "I think I will take a shower first and then I will visit Ouji-san." Natsuki continued when she saw that Mai was about to said something. "Go ahead Mai. I will be fine so please go to work."

And with that Natsuki turned to prepare for her shower, leaving Mai staring at Natsuki's back with unreadable eyes. Mai sighed and turned to clear the table.

Natsuki settled herself in a corner of the Otome Bar and ordered a drink for herself. She had just visited Ouji-san at the elderly care home and decided to just come by the bar early. She was three hours early. She was feeling restless and did not have the mood to stay at home and wait for 10pm to arrive.

The day was still early and there was hardly anyone at the bar. The band that was down to perform tonight has only just started to set up their equipment.

Natsuki took a sip of the orange juice she ordered and sat there soaking up the atmosphere.

Mai and Shizuru's words echoed in her mind throughout the day and she could hardly focus on anything. She was still mulling over the conversations she had today with Mai and Shizuru. Why were they asking her to distance herself from Shizuru. Even Shizuru too was asking her to do the same thing. While she understood the danger of Black Magic, but she didn't find it an issue so much so that she has to distance herself from Shizuru. Even though Mai told her that someone could be after her life but that haven't really bothered her. Rather than being preoccupied with the thoughts of someone out there trying to harm her, Natsuki seemed more preoccupied with Mai's suggestion of distancing herself from Shizuru.

She enjoyed having Shizuru around. And when Shizuru had avoided her then, she was disappointed and upset. She missed Shizuru's company.

Natsuki slowly sipped the drink in her hand and sat there mulling over it. Natsuki tapped her fingers on the table. Rather than pondering over it, Natsuki had the urge to see Shizuru, to see what Shizuru wanted to show her. She wanted to get this over and done with so that they won't let this issue stand between them and an excuse for Shizuru to distance herself from her.

As she was engrossed in her thoughts, a blond in a tight skinny dress sauntered over and slipped herself onto the chair next to Natsuki.

"Hey there sweetie, what's troubling you. Can I get you more drinks?" The lady asked as she tapped her finger against the half empty glass.

Natsuki looked up in surprise.

"Hi…" Natsuki replied and offered a polite smile, wondering why would a stranger approached her.

"I am Maya. One of the owners of this place. Welcome to Otome Bar." The blond offered her hand for a handshake.

"Natsuki." Natsuki reached out for a handshake. But the next moment, a slight frown appeared on Natsuki's face.

Maya had gently stroke her thumb over Natsuki's hand. Uncomfortable by this advance, Natsuki tried to pull her hand back but was surprised by how strong Maya was.

Maya let go of Natsuki's hand only when the frown on Natsuki face deepened.

Maya smile only widened. "Could I get you another drink?" Maya gestured to the half empty glass. "A glass of wine? Or cocktail may be? It's on the house."

"Thanks. Maybe later." Natsuki declined politely. Ever since that incident with Tomoe, Natsuki became more cautious when it comes to drinks offered by strangers. "I am not really a big drinker."

"You are not a drinker and you come to Otome Bar to drink orange juice?" Maya asked as she leaned closer. She had been eyeing this blue hair beauty for a while ever since she stepped into the bar. She was a newcomer. People that visited her bar were old clients and they seldom had newcomers. If there were, mostly the newcomers were introduced by their old clients. This bar wasn't widely known to the public and was only publicise to selected groups of people. When she first started this place with her friend, she had intended for it to be a bar for girls only. Yes, it was a lesbian bar, catered for girls and to girls. And this girl had attracted her attention when she first walked in alone. The slightly aloof expression on her face as she slides into the chairs. And of course not to forget her whole package. Blue hair, sharp emerald green eyes, high cheekbones and a tight little body. Just look at how the skinny jeans molded her long legs. She hoped she could entice this girl to spend the night with her. Maya thought as she licked her lips. It could be a memorable night for her.

"I was waiting for my friend. She will be here later." Natsuki replied, keeping her answer short, hoping Maya got the hint that she really wasn't keen to have conversations with her. She really didn't have any intention to start conversation with strangers.

"Could I entice you for something more while you wait for your friend?" Maya's tone lower seductively as she glided her finger slowly over the rim of her own wine glass. "Perhaps… a little distraction as you wait. It could be a little boring if you wait alone."

"Er… Distraction?" A blank look on Natsuki. She wasn't comprehending what Maya was trying to say. But her first instinct was to decline. "Yiyah. It's fine. I am good here. Not boring at all."

Maya chuckled and tried to entice Natsuki again. Her voice deepened. "Come on. Take a look around you. Everyone is happily distracted. I could be your distraction for tonight."

Maya's comments sounded wrong to her. Natsuki quickly glanced up at her surroundings to understand what Maya was talking about. And that was when she realized unknowingly to her, the bar had became quite crowded. She was so engrossed with her own problems that she was unaware of her surroundings. A quick glance and Natsuki noticed something different. There was only females in the bar and some of those girls were cuddling up to each other intimately. One of them was seated on top of the other girl's lap and the girl on top had her hands wrapped around the girl's neck. Slightly embarrassed by this public display of affection, Natsuki quickly moved on to other areas and immediately her eyes dilated. Shock evident on her face. At a dimly lit corner, a girl had her hands on both sides of another girl's head and her lips was locked against the other girl. The girls' hands were under each others' shirt!

Maya was happily enjoying the play of expressions across Natsuki's face. From oblivion to awareness and embarrassment and then shock. It looked like this beautiful here wasn't aware that this was a Les bar. But still, perhaps, she could entice her to explore beyond what she was familiar with. It would be a waste to let such beauty slipped through her fingers. And with this thought in mind, Maya bent forward and dropped a kiss on Natsuki's cheek.

That sent a shock through Natsuki. Before she could internalise the things she saw, she was kissed by a girl, the same gender as her.

Shock, Natsuki jerked away and turned to stare at Maya. Her eyes wide in shock as she pressed her hand against the wet spot.

"I… you…" Natsuki was speechless. First she saw the girls french kissing each other and now Maya just kissed her.

Maya took in the shock expression on Natsuki's face and raised her eyebrows. "You look surprise." Maya cocked her head as she studied Natsuki. "Do you know where you are?"

Natsuki frown, obviously puzzled by Maya's question. "This is Otome Bar right?"

Seeing the confusion, Maya replied. "Do you know that you are in a lesbian bar? Otome Bar is a lesbian bar for the ladies."

Shock at the reply, Natsuki quickly glanced around. That was when realization struck. No wonder there were only females around! Now that explained their behaviours!

"Les… lesbian bar?"

"Hai!"

Maya looked at Natsuki. Shock yes. Derision no. Good! Maya thought as she sought to continue her pursuit.

"You know what a lesbian is right, Natsuki?" Maya leaned closer and spoke into her ear. "We prefer dating women, not men. So… would you like to follow me home." At the end of the statement, Maya blew into Natsuki's ear. "It will be an unforgettable night for you and me."

Natsuki jumped and quickly pulled back, covering her ear. Her whole face was red as she stammered for words. "You… you…! Stay.. Stay away from me!"

Maya grinned, enjoying the look on Natsuki's face. Shock, embarrassment mixed with a tint shyness evident on her face as she threw an accusing look at Maya. The look on Natsuki's face only made Maya wanted to bully her again. "Look all around you. They are enjoying themselves."

"But they are both girls! How is it possible for them to be together?"

"How is it possible" and not "it is NOT possible". A probing question rather than a statement of belief.

"Is there something wrong with two girls together?" Maya asked her own question.

The question seemed to distract Natsuki as it set her thinking. But it wasn't long before Natsuki replied and her reply did not disappoint Maya.

"Yiyeah… well, there is nothing wrong. It is just that… how do I put it… erm… unusual I guess. Different from the norm. I guess everyone has their own preference. Just like how some people prefer apple while others prefer orange."

Maya let out a bark of laughters. "Such an interesting way of putting it. I like you more and more! I hope everyone is like you." Maya's laughter subsided and she turned her gaze to Natsuki. "Then what about you pretty lady?" Maya reached out her hand and cup her hand around Natsuki's face and rubbed her thumb on Natsuki's cheek. Natsuki pulled back from her and Maya allowed her. "Do you prefer ladies or men?"

Men.

That was what Natsuki wanted to say as she opened her mouth to give an immediate reply but stopped short.

Shizuru's image flashed across her eyes.

Natsuki frown and quickly shook her head. What was she thinking?

The smile on Maya's face widen. "Looks like Natsuki has someone in mind ne. Is it a man or lady?"

"Don't be mistaken, she is just a friend of mine." Natsuki replied as she removed Maya's hand from her face.

"She?" Maya raised her eyebrows. "Looks like its a female. If you are not sure, I could help you. Just come home with me."

"Ara, Maya Onee-sama seemed to be having much fun with my friend." Emphasis was placed on the word 'friend'.

Maya body immediately straightened when she heard the voice. Her body tensed and the once seductive smile quivered until it looked more liked a grimace than a smile. She remembered the voice and there was only one person who would still call her 'Onee-sama'.

Liked a malfunction robot, Maya slowly turned to see Shizuru standing behind her, a perfect smile on her face and Maya started perspiring profusely.

"Ahahaha… Shizuru?"

Others might be blinded by her perfect smile and attractive Kyoto accent when she speaks but she wasn't. Or rather she was attracted and then she paid a heavy price for that mistake.

She met Shizuru when they were in the University and back then Shizuru was a freshman and she was in her third year. Maya had tried her best trying to get Shizuru into bed and she had failed miserably. Maya could only shudder whenever she thought of their past.

"Onee-sama seems to be having much fun with Natsuki. I hope I am not interrupting ne."

Another perfect smile!

This is not good! Maya thought. "Yiyeah… yiyeah…" Maya quickly shook her head, denying the fact that she was indeed enjoying herself! "I didn't know she was her friend!" Maya clarified, hoping that this lack of knowledge could save her. "I saw Natsuki here alone and thought to entertain her while she was waiting. Since you are here already, I shall make a move first." Maya quickly stood up from her seat, turned and sped off.

Shizuru was glad that she reached the place early. Otherwise she wasn't sure what Maya Onee-sama would do to Natsuki.

"Looks like you have settled yourself in." Shizuru said as she gestured to the drinks.

"I came early and the drinks is good here."

"It's good to know. I will tell Maya Onee-sama that when I see her next time." Shizuru said absently as her gaze was fixated on Natsuki's left cheek. "There's something there." Shizuru whispered as she reached out her hand to touch Natsuki's cheek. "Here let me help you clean it."

"Something on my cheek?" Natsuki asked as she offered her cheek up to make it easier for Shizuru.

Shizuru took out a wet wipe and clean a spot on Natsuki's cheek. That was where Maya had touched Natsuki earlier on.

After a while Natsuki spoke, "Erm… Shizuru…"

"Hmmm…" Shizuru replied absently.

"I was wonder if you think you could be gentler?" Natsuki thought she might have lost a layer of skin from the cleaning.

"Need to disinfect." Shizuru mumbled but she eased her pressure. After a few more scrub, Shizuru threw away the alcohol wet wipes and cup Natsuki's face and ran her fingers over her cheeks. Shizuru realized she didn't like having others touching Natsuki.

Shizuru took out another wet wipes to clean her hand. She was glad she reached this place early and saved Natsuki from Maya Onee-sama's clutches. She would need to speak to Maya Onee-sama again, about this bad habit of hers. She was feeling restless at home and for the first time in her life, she was uncertain. While Natsuki said she didn't mind her involving herself in Black Magic, but still Shizuru was insecure. There was a constant doubt that Natsuki could said that because she was not fully aware of Black Magic. This restlessness and uncertainty drove to Otome Cafe early and she was glad she was here earlier than planned. Otherwise she was sure Maya would have taken advantage of Natsuki. Imagine her shock followed by overwhelming sense of jealousy when she came into the pub to see Maya Onee-sama placing a kiss on Natsuki's cheek! She hadn't kiss Natsuki yet!

After scuttling off, Maya had hidden herself behind the bar, far away from them, pretending to help the bartender served the customers. Only when she was confident that Shizuru wasn't after her anymore, then she looked up. But only for her rolled her eyes. Did she have to do that? It was only a peck and a touch. Did she have to go to the extent of using alcohol wipes to clean away her presence? Like she was carrying a contagious virus? If Maya could, she would have raised her fist and protested!

But then curiosity and realization quickly took over as Maya observed their interactions.

Well… well… well… It looks like our great Viola Shizuru has fallen!

It was quite clear looking at how Shizuru bustle around Natsuki, removing all traces of Maya's presence from Natsuki.

Maya grinned and wondered if Natsuki was aware of Shizuru's interest in her. But judging by how clueless she was just now, Maya bet that Natsuki was totally unaware!

It was going to be interesting how Shizuru was going to reel Natsuki in!

Shizuru had always been very popular among both the male and female. There was an aura around her that attracted them. But despite all the attention from various people, Shizuru had stayed cool and aloof. But it looked like Natsuki had caught Shizuru's attention. Shizuru had been the one being chased and admired. But now that it was the other way round, what would Shizuru do? It might be slightly challenging for Shizuru.

Although Natsuki did not exactly specify whether she preferred to date a man or a lady, Maya suspected that Natsuki might be a Les secretly. Or Natsuki might think she was heterosexual and did not realize that she preferred the same sex. This is especially so when asked if Natsuki had anyone in mind, Natsuki mentioned a 'she'. Perhaps the 'she' could be Shizuru?

Maya rolled her eyes again when she saw Natsuki offering her cheeks for Shizuru to clean. It might not be difficult for Shizuru to reel Natsuki in after all. Natsuki didn't seem like she disliked Shizuru's touch. Natsuki had pulled back when Maya touched her face but basked in Shizuru's touch. Maya let out a snort of disgust. The two love birds were beginning to disgust her.

But Maya acknowledged that if Shizuru was her girlfriend she would have gladly offered up her cheeks. Perhaps her whole body even! But that was before she saw Shizuru's true colour.

Shizuru and Natsuki exited the bar and stood by the side and hailed a cab.

When Shizuru entered the cab and pointed out the destination, the driver gave a surprise look and gave Shizuru a look through the rear mirror and asked, "Erm…are you sure?"

"Hai." Shizuru replied.

The reaction of the cab driver only made Natsuki more curious of their destination.

The whole journey was travelled in silence.

The cab travelled along the highway about 20 minutes before filtering off into a remote road. It then turned into a small lane. It looked like a private land and there wasn't any street lights along the way. The whole time they were on the roads, they did not encounter any car. They seemed to be travelling on a road that brought them deeper into a forest. The cab was the only car travelling along the deserted lane. It looked like the lane was of poor repair as the car slowly creeped along the lane filled with many potholes.

The cab finally manoeuvred it way through the uneven road and came to a stop in a clearing.

It was too dark for Natsuki to see what was outside and the only thing she could see was the vast expanse of sands and rocks illuminated from the headlights of the car.

Shizuru handed the money to the driver. The driver took and money and hesitated, "Ojou-chan, this is not a safe place for you to be. Are you sure you want to be here? It can get pretty dangerous especially for girls."

"Don't worry Ouji-san. I have a policewoman here with me." Shizuru pointed to Natsuki. "We will be safe."

Without waiting for the driver's reply, Shizuru alighted from the cab, but not before discreetly dropping a burning talisman on the floor. This will blur the memory of tonight's incident. Shizuru did not want anyone to know of their activity tonight especially when now she knew that Natsuki was targeted.

"Where is this place?" Natsuki asked as the car slowly made its way out, leaving the surrounding in complete darkness. Natsuki shivered as she pulled her jacket close. It was getting quite chilly here. Natsuki took out her phone and turned on the torchlight function. She shone the torch around and found the ground to be cover with gravels and pebbles and a distance from where she stood was a slope that seemed to lead to some dark pit.

"This place used to be a mining area. They said there is a huge source of rare earth metal underneath here and companies were vying to own this land and extract the metal. But just a few months into the mining, the company that owned this place encountered several problems. There were several worksite accidents and a few workers were killed then. They could hardly follow through to drill deep underground and extract the rare earth. Every time they wanted to start work, accidents happened. The workers said the place is cursed. But wasn't the only problem the company was facing. The company that owned this land was said to go into financial difficulty and went bankrupt soon after. Subsequently, this land changes several owners but each time the owner did not come to a good end. Either the owner filed for bankruptcy or he committed suicide. And soon the rumour of this land being cursed spread all over the country and no one dares to own it anymore. And this land has been left abandoned ever since."

Shizuru walked towards the edge and took in a deep breath. The same smell as usual. This smell she nearly forgotten. This hint of mustiness and decay in the air. And for a few years after leaving this area, Shizuru could still feel it clinging onto her hair and skin.

"Some people believe strongly in Feng Shui. Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. Many believe that if there is harmony between the environment and the people living in the environment, it would bring would bring luck and prosperity to those people. An art pieces placed in the right position could bring luck to the homeowner or a tree planted in the wrong location could block the windfall for the residents so on and so forth. As for this place, before it was turned into a mining ground, it was an ancestral cemetery for a businessman. The businessman employed a Feng Shui Master to help find a good plot of land for his deceased ancestors and the Feng Shui Master pointed this land out for him. If you visit this place during the day time or view this site using a Google Earth, you would be able to see that this place is surrounded by five smaller hills with a river flowing towards this site. River signifies wealth. A river flowing towards this land signifies wealth flowing in. But this same river that flows towards the site also flows past it. Which could be bad because it also means losing the wealth. But the five small hills turn things around. These five hills surrounding the site, could make this a desirable place. The five hills are like five fingers, clutching the wealth in the hand. So in the some sense this land could be considered a 宝地 [宝: bao - treasure; 地: di- land]. The businessman believed the Fei Shui master and placed his ancestors ashes in this land. With the ancestors buried in a 宝地, the descendants would prosper and be blessed with good luck. But I guess that the Feng Shui Master that the businessman employed did not tell him the full story. While this site is surrounded by five hills, sunlight is unable to reach the land. So corpses would not be able to decompose properly. And so with the inaccurate information, the businessman buried his ancestors bodies in this land. For the first few years, his business prospered and flourished. But later, his business went into the red and in the end, he filed for bankruptcy. So when the businessman had his ancestors' coffins exhumed only to find that their body hardly decomposed. There would hardly be any blessing by the ancestors when the deceased could not find proper burial place. This is a place where sunlight will not shine upon and it is a rich ground for Black Magic." Shizuru paused as she led Natsuki down a small rocky lane. "And this was where I stayed for six years when I was younger. This is where I learned my Black Magic. My mother brought me here when I was twelve and taught me the art of Black Magic here. Do you know why this is Black Magician's haven?" Shizuru stopped in her track and turned around to face Natsuki.

Natsuki looked at Shizuru silently and shook her head. She wondered what was it that Shizuru wanted to show her.

"Did you wonder why the cab driver was hesitant to drop us here?" Shizuru continued. She didn't expect Natsuki to answer her question. "This place is a well known dumping ground for dead bodies. People who died in gang fights, illegal immigrants and trade slaves who died for one reason or another, their bodies are thrown here, leaving them to rot. People who are missing, most likely their dead bodies could be found there. Those dead bodies are good material for Black Magic. Light a candle and place it under the corpses' chins. Let the fire burn until the skin underneath the chin split, curl and char. The fats will burn and melt. Black Magicians will collect the oil and turn it into 缘油 [缘 (yuan): fate or relation; 油 (you): oil]. To put it simply, it is a form of potion aims at improving relationships. You would be surprised how rare the 缘油 is especially now that the deceased are cremated rather than buried. It is difficult to obtain缘油 nowadays. 缘油 can be used for various purposes. Cast a spell on it and 缘油could be a potion to improve your fate and relationship with other, making you well-liked like people. And cast another spell, it could turn into a love potion. It is not the kind of love potion you find in romantic novels , making the man or woman fall romantically in love with you. The kind of love potion offered by the Black Magician, once applied turn you into a sex crazed person, craving for sex and you will in turn love the person whom you have sex with."

"Do you make them? Those 缘油?"

Without hesitation, Shizuru answered, "Yes I did. I made those." Shizuru could still remember that sensation. The sensation of grabbing the corpse by the neck and forced it upright. The cold bloated flesh against her skin and the pungent smell of rotting flesh invading her nose with every breath she took. Yet she knew she had to do that. She knew she had to learn Black Magic. "I took a candle and held it beneath the corpse's chin and extract the 缘油 and turned them into potions." Shizuru stared at Natsuki, right into her eyes as she continued. "My hands are never clean."

Shizuru was taking a gamble now. She was going to show everything to Natsuki. If Natsuki chose to remind by her side, Shizuru would win the gamble and she wasn't planning to let Natsuki go anymore. If she lost the gamble…

"Why are you telling me this now?"

Shizuru shook her head. There was a smile on her face. Yet for some reasons, Natsuki found that smile sad and her heart ached for Shizuru.

"I am trying to show you what I am really like and the things I do. If you walk down this slope, you will reach the bottom of this quarry and this is where I stayed and practiced Black Magic."

"That is why you brought me here?"

"Hai…"

"To see the things you have done?"

"Hai…"

Natsuki cocked her head sideways as she studied Shizuru.

"Why would you want me to know all this?"

"Because you seem to have a misconception about me."

"So you want to show me how dirty your hand is?"

"Hai!"

Natsuki took in a deep breath. "Viola Shizuru…. no… Fujino Shizuru… I don't know what is it that you want to show me but I am sure it is not going to change my mind."

"I hope you would be able to maintain this conviction after you see what Black Magic I have learned in the six years i was here." Shizuru led Natsuki to the steps that led to a dark pit.

"Wait. Hold on a minute." Natsuki stopped Shizuru.

Shizuru turned and raised her eyebrows at Natsuki as if asking Natsuki if she was going to give up.

"I want to try walking this path alone." Shizuru's eyebrows rose further upon Natsuki's comment.

"It is dangerous."

"I know. You lived here alone, in this dangerous place. And I want to know how it is like for you to live in this place alone, even for a brief moment, I wanted to know. So let me explore this place by myself. And nope, don't try go dissuade me from doing it." Natsuki said when she saw Shizuru frowned and opened her mouth to discourage her.

Shizuru paused for a moment, contemplating if she should really let Natsuki enter the place alone.

After a brief internal debate, Shizuru nodded her head. This would be a good opportunity for Natsuki to really understand Black Magic.

"Alright. But promise me that if you meet any danger or want to give up halfway through, crush this talisman and throw it into the air and I would be able to find you with it." Shizuru said as she passed Natsuki a talisman. "When you are down at the pit, head north and you will see a small shad. I will be waiting for you there."

"Don't worry. I am a policeman and I know how to protect myself. If need be, I will use it. I will see you there!" Natsuki took the talisman from Shizuru and walked past her down the stairs.

But as Natsuki near the end of the stairs, she paused and turned to jog up the stairs again, only to stop in front of Shizuru.

Surprise, Shizuru asked, "Giving up now?"

"No way am I gonna do that." Natsuki said as she quickly took off her jacket she was wearing. "Here, this place is cold and you are not wearing enough." And immediately Shizuru was engulfed in a warm jacket.

"I don't need it. You can keep it." Shizuru said as she moved to remove the jacket. "I am used to the cold temperature here."

"I am wearing a long sleeve shirt. Don't worry. And you might be used to the cold but that doesn't mean you don't feel cold." Natsuki said as she waved at Shizuru and quickly jogged down the stairs, disappearing in the dark.

A/N:

It really took me so long to write this chapter. Anyway, I have been feeling pretty angst and angry nowadays. Sigh…

Anyway I can't seem to find a good Yuri anime or just any normal genre anime nowadays and have been forced to rewatch many of the old animes. Not that I don't like rewatching the old animes but I am hoping for something new. I am watching El Cazador now and really enjoy the interaction between the two main characters.

Before I end off, allow me to thank the many people who left reviews or emailed me about the stories. Thank you so so much! When I am tired or can't find the motivation to write, I would read your reviews again and find the encouragement to continue writing! Thank you so much!

Special thanks to Hookedonreading! I always enjoy really your reviews! Glad to know you are reading my stories! :)