Chapter 14: Meet Your Enemy
Notes: This is the full content of chapter 14. So for those who already read the half of chapter 14, u might think, that I just posted it again but the 2nd half was already in this chapter. The paragraph in normal style is the first half..and the bold one are the continuation..so that u will know where to start.
Ok.ill stop babbling now.. on to the story..
Readers: thanks for the support.
WARNINGS: GRAMMATICAL AND SENTENCE STRUCTURE ERRORS. Proceed at your own risk.
DISCLAIMER: Sunrise own My Hime/Otome. I don't own them.
Chapter 14: Meet Your Enemy
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Youko was surprised immensely when she got the result of her investigation. She asked people and some officers in the academy about sponsorship. She found out that SEARRS where the major sponsor of the academy.
SEARRS where the one funded the research about the artificial mage in Weis. Youko immediately reported it to Midori.
"What does it means Youko?" Midori asked when she reached Youko apartment.
"I don't know. But if you will ask me personally, it just means that SEARRS might control the Fuuka academy. It's not a coincidence that the four people who will inherit the elemental users is studying in Fuuka. They might have a big plans about these situation. We already know that SEARRS is allied with Weis." Youko explained.
"These will make our investigation easier. We will need to have background check some families of the students in Fuuka. Especially those who are close with those children." Midori stated seriously.
"We really should investigate more about those mage. I have a feeling that there is more about them." Youko voice out her doubt. She should look more in the history of mages. She thought that, if she will be the one creates an artificial mage, she will also base it on the original mage and of course she will put enhancement ability.
Youko continued reading the files she gathered when she was interrupted. She felt a hand was placed in her back and slightly caressing her back. Something stirred in her body but ignored it. She looked at Midori who's giving her a seductive smile.
"So, have a free time later?" Midori said sweetly.
Busy or not, does it matter to Midori?
"Why do I have to go with you?" whined by the raven girl to her brunette friend.
"My family wants to meet you. And you did not say no to my sister, Natsuki. So you better tell your father that you will spend your summer in our house." Shizuru said.
Natsuki winced inwardly when she thought about her father. They really don't have a good relationship that can be called a father-daughter relationship. She shook her head and focused on her papers.
The two girls were in the library and doing some paper works and assignment so there will be no hindrances during their summer vacation.
Shizuru chuckled when she saw Natsuki's reaction. She really likes watching Natsuki's facial expression every now and then. She did not even care if others student saw them in the library.
Natsuki glared at her but Shizuru just ignored her. So Natsuki just sighed and backed on her papers.
Unknown to them, there's a one girl not very far was watching them with pain and bitterness.
People in business suits start packing their things and some are directly went out in the meeting room. They leaved leaving the atmosphere tensed with their president and the two other young men.
"Papers are already done. You can go there and executer our plan. SEARRS will help you. They can back you up." Luke Reynolds said to the younger version of him.
"Yes, father." Jun said automatically.
"Don't you think this will be an aggressive move sending your son to that country? And he's not only your son but the leader of Mage," interrupted by a young man with silver hair, currently the vice president of Weis.
"Nagi, I trust my son. And I want Leibe to rattle a little bit. And besides, elemental users are already confirmed and we already know who the otome are. We are in advantage in this game. They don't know who they are facing. Our game is an emotional and mind games. We will crash them."
"But what if they can control the users?" Nagi asked.
"So be it. But we can counter them. They are still young and naïve. In this game, the one who is experienced, more cunning will win. Jun, show them our capabilities." Luke said coldly.
"Yes, father." Jun replied.
"Is her preparation already finished, Nagi?"
Nagi nodded. "Yes, president. Harumi is ready to go."
"Then, she will accompany Jun to Japan. Will they welcome her? I want to see the face of that bitch."
Jun Reynolds is the son of the president of Weis Organization. The son of aggressor and power hungry president. He was five years old when his father volunteered him for the experiment of the making of artificial mage. After the implantation of genes in his body, he was trained for all his life to perfect and to master the ability of being a mage. For the ordinary people, he is just a college student with an athletic body and brain of a genius. He was a good looking man but not aware that he has a charm to swept the feet of the women.
Jun turned to his lady companion who will act as his personal assistant. "You are already briefed by this mission. You will not face them. When the time comes, you can show your face to them."
Harumi nodded.
"No matter what happens, you will not repeat what happened in the past. You will not act according to your emotions. Do you understand?"
Harumi nodded. She was not blinking nor breaking the eye contact to her boss. Jun looked at her intently. He was contented what he was seeing. Harumi changed after that incident. She became a heartless and ruthless girl. The sweet and innocent once dominated her life was completely removed in her system.
"According to SEARRS observation, one of our mage was getting out of control. Tomoe should learn how to control her emotions. She replaced your position but was not doing her job. That otome managed to beat her mage child. And we did not even give her permission to summon her child. I am not pleased with her job. She was supposed to become Fujino's friend. But she did not accomplish her task." Jun steel voice rang inside the plane.
"Tomoe is still young and inexperience with her job. I think you should better talk to her." Harumi commented.
"Tomoe still have a purpose," Jun said and he smirked to himself.
An idea popped in his mind and controlled not to laugh. He is the son of Luke Reynolds. He was not allowed to show emotions in public.
Natsuki chose to walk in the garden after she goes with Arika and Nina. She really did not mind their company because she wants to stop thinking about Shizuru. It helped for a little bit.
She sighed when she reached the garden. She still thinking about the things Shizuma told her. She was really curios about this girl Harumi. She wants to know what her relationship with Shizuru. Thinking that Harumi and Shizuru is more than friends make her heart twinge.
I better asked Shizuru. This is torturing me in no ends. Argh.
Natsuki reached their room and found Shizuru sitting in the floor and typing in her laptop. She smiled instantly when she Shizuru looked at her. Shizuru also smiled.
Natsuki dropped her things in the counter and positioned herself besides Shizuru in the floor. She hugged her knees and watched Shizuru doing her works.
"What's bothering you Natsuki?" Shizuru asked without looking at Natsuki. She continued typing in her laptop not noticing that Natsuki blush a little.
Natsuki was debating to herself if she will ask Shizuru or not. She did not notice that Shizuru stop typing and now facing her.
"Natsuki," Shizuru called her softly.
Natsuki looked at her and their eyes meet. Crimson eyes were asking and the viridian eyes were looking for an answer.
"Shizuru," Natsuki said softly. "Go on Shizuru. Continue what you are doing. I will be fine." Natsuki smiled at her.
Shizuru nodded but looked at her intently trying to read her thoughts then she returned to her work.
After a while of silence, Shizuru felt something leaned on her shoulder. She got tensed when she realized that it was Natsuki's head. Her heart almost stopped beating when she felt Natsuki's arm encircled her waist.
"Shizuru"
"Yes, Natsuki?" Shizuru tried to act normal despite of her nerves going out of control. Her focus on her work was completely forgotten. The only thing she can think was that Natsuki is so near to her. Almost hugging her.
"Who is Harumi?" Natsuki asked softly.
Shizuru's head turned to Natsuki. But Natsuki did not see the look on Shizuru's face because she was looking at her stretched legs.
Shizuru sighed. Maybe this is the right time to let Natsuki knows about her and Harumi. Shizuru also stretched her legs. Natsuki removed her arm in Shizuru waist and Shizuru felt cold instantly it was removed. Before Shizuru can move, Natsuki grabbed Shizuru's right hand and laced it to her left hand. Then leaned her head to Shizuru's shoulder. She placed their intertwined fingers to her lap. Their legs were touching but no one said about it.
Natsuki looked at her and smiled softly. Shizuru felt like crying seeing Natsuki's soft expression.
Natsuki turned her back gazing at their hands. She waited Shizuru to talk.
"Because Natsuki is so sweet tonight, I will answer her." Shizuru said smilingly. She can feel she is not affected anymore talking about Harumi.
"Harumi is my best friend, my girlfriend, my lover." Shizuru said softly. She stopped talking when she felt Natsuki gripped her hand.
"I was fifteen that time when I met her. She looked very innocent that time. And she was very sweet too. She was waiting for her driver one day when rain poured out. And I was near at her that time and offered her a ride. She accepted it and we became friends since then. She was very friendly that time and I opened my life to her. She became my best friend. We are always with each other when I realized that my feelings for her changed. I want her in my life. I want her as my loved of my life." Shizuru stopped and gazed at her hand intertwined with Natsuki.
"I confessed my feelings one day and she accepted it. She returned my loved. After that time, our world change. I can't get enough of her. I want more. Maybe I became obsessed with her. I told my parents about my relationship with her. At first they did not approve with it but they conceded. They really don't like Harumi that time. But I did not see it. I'm blinded by my loved for her. I obey ev-"
Natsuki interrupted. "What happened? Why she is not here?" I don't want to know what you did for her, Shizuru. I don't want to hear how much you loved her.
"She betrayed me, Natsuki. She works for Weis. She is their spy. She was sent to spy my family and used me to get through with it. She told me her mission and after that she disappeared." Shizuru finished her tale. She was glad that she has the courage to tell this thing to Natsuki.
Natsuki's grip to Shizuru tightens after she heard the story. She can't forgive Harumi for making Shizuru broken.
They continued sitting side by side for a while. They embrace the silence hanging in the air.
Shizuru felt her burden was lifted. She felt shouting and laughing. She felt like climbing the Mount Everest. She felt that she can conquer everything. She did not notice that Natsuki was looking at her. And her heart melts when she saw Natsuki looking at her softly. She smiled at her. She was grateful for this moment.
Natsuki, you did not know what you are doing in my life. If you continue being this kind, you will snatch my heart with out realizing it.
Shizuru stand up pulling Natsuki to her feet. Before Natsuki can react, she hugged the younger girl. Natsuki was surprised but her hand automatically hugged Shizuru. Natsuki felt content at this moment. But Shizuru pulled away.
"Let's go to sleep Natsuki." Shizuru went to her bed leaving Natsuki standing in the living room.
I want to be close with her. I want to feel more her warmth. I want to be the one comforting her. I will not betray you Shizuru.
Without thinking, Natsuki went towards Shizuru bed and pulled out the comforter and joined Shizuru in her bed. Shizuru was shocked but did not say anything. Natsuki settled herself besides the stunned Shizuru. Natsuki smiled at her and wrapped Shizuru in her arms. And proceed to sleep.
"Shizuru."
"Yes, Natsuki?"
"I want to hold you for this night."
"Thank you Natsuki."
"Hold me too Shizuru."
"Ok. Good night Natsuki."
"I will not betray you."
Shizuru smiled. Her heart is swelling in contentment.
Shizuru placed her arm in Natsuki's waist and pulled the younger girl closer to her. Natsuki snuggled deeply to her. Their legs tangled. Their breath mingled.
For this night, they are the best friend who needs each other.
Shizuru almost stopped breathing when she felt that she was wrapped in Natsuki's arms. She saw that Natsuki is still sleep and breathing deeply. She was feeling euphoria this early morning just seeing Natsuki enveloped in her arms. She was contented watching Natsuki. But there's always an ending to every situation.
Shizuru's phone rang in the quite room. Shizuru almost cursed but managed to stop herself. She removed her right arm draped in Natsuki's waist. She picked her phone and answered the call. With her slight moving, Natsuki slowly opened her eyes.
"Yes?" Shizuru saw Natsuki eyes turned wide.
"Later? I think I can make it." Natsuki's shocked was evident in her face.
Shizuru's face was very close to Natsuki and Shizuru slowly teased the younger girl by moving slightly towards her.
"Ok. See you later." Shizuru closed her phone and watched Natsuki looked almost dazed.
"Good morning Nat-su-ki." Shizuru greeted her very sweetly.
Natsuki snapped instantly in her reverie. She tried scrambling away to her predator and managed to move but felt her other half was stayed besides with Shizuru.
"I think, I better take a bath." Natsuki mumbled to herself. Her building confidence was floated fast after sleeping besides with Shizuru. What? I sleep besides Shizuru. I touched her.
"Go ahead, Natsuki. Well, I have an emergency meeting today."
A young man accompanied with a young gorgeous lady went inside the limousine after they set out in the private plane.
"Mr. Smith, I presumed everything is already set?" Jun asked the older man dropping his gaze to him.
"Yes, Mr. Reynolds. Everything is set. The office is waiting for your arrival." John Smith said. After the board meeting, John Smith was ejected in his position as the president of SEARRS and replaced by Jun.
"Thank you for you hard work, Mr. Smith. I hope you can guide me in this company." Jun said smiling slightly.
Harumi just smirked to herself. She knows that Jun is trying to manipulate the old man by letting the old geezer to bite on Jun's trap.
"I want our mage team to meet me tomorrow. I hope you can manage to relay that message?"
Mr. Smith nodded.
After a night of sleep, Jun meet the mages sent to Japan. Jun saw the students who are also mage working for the Weis.
"Our mission is to persuade the elemental users to use their powers in our side. But problem arise when otome got closer with them. It will affect their decision of because of this. We don't want to use force in this situation but if something arise, we don't have a choice. But at this moment, we will help the users to use their power. We will help them to become stronger. We will give them experience. So, for now, gather all data we need. We will attack them emotionally." Jun said to the three students.
Jun was a bit disappointed what's happening. They can't pinpoint what the Leibe was planning for the elemental users. They already located them but still not making any moves. They need to be careful because they don't want anything bad happened in their plan.
"Gather everything. Watched everything they are doing. Observe what they want. Who and what are important to them. Everything we can take advantage is very important. I expect this in the end of the week."
After giving them a curt nod, the three scrambled out in the room. Only Harumi remain inside.
"We should face this otome. We should know their capability. So prepare everything. We will find a good timing to attack them. We will introduce ourselves to them." Jun told this to Harumi.
Harumi silently nodded.
Natsuki was walking towards to a fast food restaurant when she noticed a young gorgeous girl on the other side of the street staring at her. But when she looked at the girl, she walked away. Natsuki just shrugged her shoulder.
It was another day when Natsuki thought of going to the coffee shop when she noticed again the gorgeous girl. Her blonde short hair was giving Natsuki to remember the girl. It was not only the hair but also the face of that girl.
Natsuki chose to seat near the table to that mysterious girl. She watched the girl with interest. After getting her order she went out because she felt different with the pierce gaze she was receiving from that girl.
Natsuki was asked by Shizuru to accompany her in the supermarket. Natsuki was pushing the cart where Shizuru was the one grabbing things they need.
"Shizuru, I was wandering how is your relationship with your sister?" Natsuki asked when they reached the vegetable area.
Shizuru looked at her for a while but returned to her task.
"Shizuma is very protective to me. And I am always close to her." Shizuru said simply.
Natsuki nodded but did not really understand that phrase. "Ei, Shizuru. What's the feeling of having a sister?"
Shizuru stopped picking some veggies when she heard Natsuki. Her heart felt heavy hearing this phrase. She forgotten that Natsuki really don't have a family or a sister so Natsuki might not understand this kind of situation.
So she said gently, "Having an older sister is like having a protector. Shizuma is a friend to me. She was always there to listen to me. She was always supporting me. She always understands what I've been through. Sometimes, she will just hugged me and stay besides me when I really feel down."
Natsuki grasped all the words Shizuru said. Having an older sister is not bad. Shizuru love her sister.
"But it's not always like that," Shizuru said interrupting Natsuki thoughts. "Sometimes we also can't get along. We also argue and quarrel a lot."
Natsuki give Shizuru a look of disbelief.
"We really do quarrel Natsuki especially when we are still young."
"Well, I can't imagine you having an argument with someone especially with your sister." Natsuki voiced out her thoughts.
The two girls turned in the meat section.
"Shizuru, get that one." Natsuki pointed the meat in the cooler.
Shizuru sighed and grabbed some meat and placed it in the cart.
"How old Shizuma is?"
"She's 20 years old. She's currently studying in Kyoto University."
Natsuki was going to ask more questions when she noticed the girl she always seeing wherever she goes.
When the girl noticed Natsuki was watching her, the girl abruptly turned around and headed the exit door.
Natsuki was puzzled at the girl's reaction. She believes that she saw angry in that beautiful face.
Unbeknownst to Natsuki, Shizuru saw her eyeing a stranger with a beautiful feature. And deep inside her something stirred in her.
Nao and Mai were walking when they reached the harbor. It was already in the middle of night when they managed to get out in Midori's apartment, while Natsuki was volunteered watching Arika and the company.
"Nao, what do you think about us?" Mai asked the younger girl when they leaned in the railings while watching the calm sea at the distance.
"Our life is sucks." Nao spat.
"Is that really you think?"
"We are just the experimented child that turned out to be their weapon. What's more about it?" Nao said angrily.
"But they gave us a choice. They also give us freedom. Look at you; you can still sneak out during midnight."
"Mai, its only a façade. The freedom and to decide for ourselves is not entirely true."
"But, Natsuki-"
"Kuga is a stubborn otome. She also knows it but she is not thinking about it nor acknowledging it. Heck, I bet she did not know it to herself." Nao smirked to herself. She remembered the girl and laughed to herself. "What's really your problem Mai?"
Mai looked at her. Nao saw the confusion in Mai's eyes. "Men right?"
Mai nodded. "You know I started dating Tate. I want to experience dating someone. But right now, I am confused. I think I'm starting to like someone. Sometimes, my heart constricted when I'm thinking of this person. But I know I should not."
"That's were our own true life shows. Blue eyes always telling us that we have our own decision to make when certain things came up. Geez, they trained us to follow orders and our loyalty stays in Leibe. When we know that we are getting in the circle of what people called love, relationship, friendship, family, we slowly back off. Because the first thing we will always think and appear in our mind is our responsibility. We put first our responsibility before our own selfish desire."
Mai watched the younger girl talked. Mai suddenly felt to hug Nao. She's not the only one who traps in the responsibility. Nao might not tell her that she also having problem but the younger girl's words is enough to understand that Nao is also having a problem. Maybe Natsuki and Haruka too.
The two watched silently the calmed sea. It's calmed but underneath it was so deep and many were living in it.
As the two girls engrossed in their own thoughts, two mage child appeared and attacked them in their back. Luckily, Nao heard the slightest change of movement in the surrounding and managed to grab Mai and dodge the attack.
The two girls stumbled in their landing but instantly prepared themselves in a battle. Mai easily analyze their situation. She materialize her quarter staff and she saw that Nao also had her staff.
The two girls easily dodged all the attacked and managed to bring down the mage child. But after that, they saw an approaching young man to them.
The man was wearing a business suits and have a cold mask in his face.
"Telum Incendia" shouted by the young man. A fire was immediately appeared in his hand and the fire was forming like an arrow. Four arrows were appeared and the man throws it to the two girls.
Nao easily dodged the two arrows went towards her but Mai just materialize her shield. The arrows banished when it reached Mai's shield. Before they can move and analyze what happened, they were already bombarded more arrows. Mai increase her shield and she noticed that Nao also use her shield.
Nao dodged another sets of arrows towards her and she allowed her staff to grow longer and directly went straight to their attacker.
"Contego" the young man said and a look a like mirror suddenly appeared in front of him. Nao's staff can't get thru and she retracted her staff.
Mai materialize her weapon preparing to attack. "Ready to fire in 5 seconds" the weapon system announced. After waiting of five seconds, a blast was fire toward the young man but a woman intercept in the fight. She blocked the attacked with her look a like invisible mirror.
"What the hell?" Nao said to herself.
"I told you not to interfere, Harumi. Lets get out of here. " Jun said to the new arrival of the girl. "We will meet again, Otome." With the final words, they went out in the dark.
"What was that?" Nao said loudly.
Mai just shrugged her shoulder. She did not know either what happened. But there's something bothering her when the young man called the girl. But she ignored it when she realized what just happened.
Chapter 15: Revenge of A Jealous Heart
Tomoe revealed herself who she is to have her revenge. She wants Shizuru to herself.
Sorry for not updating really fast. I have job right now. So that's my first priority I guess. But ill try to write and try to continue this story. Do tell me if its alright to stop this for now..yes, im kinda sad.. but heck..i might get some time to write..aw.. anyway.. hope this chapter did not bore u..