The stage:
"Kaichou-san!!"
Shizuru turned around to see who was calling her.
"Ara, Mai-san, good morning."
"Ah, yes, good morning." Mai was panting, she had chased after the president while having Mikoto riding on her back. "I was wondering if you have seen Natsuki"
Shizuru's smile faded a little to be replaced with a worried look. "No, I haven't, she didn't come back home yesterday"
"As I thought…."
"Hey, Mai, you think something happened to Natsuki?" Mikoto asked curiously
"Um—" Mai started "Well I thought she was skipping class but, I don't think Natsuki would miss the exam, and she isn't picking up her cell."
Shizuru's face had even a more worried expression
"But I'm sure she's fine, you know Natsuki is, always in her own world that fella" Mai quickly said upon seeing Shizuru's reaction "If you want we can wait for together at her apartment tonight Kaichou"
"Ah yes, thank you."
Later that night, in Natsuki's apartment.
"Mai… I'm hungry…" Mikoto said weakly as her stomach let out a growl
"Again? Fine, I'll go make something" And Mai rushed to the kitchen
Shizuru silently stood up and looked out of the window. When …. "Natsuki?!"
"Where?" Mai popped out of the kitchen and hurried to the window where Shizuru was.
"I thought I just saw her…"
Mai flung the door open "Let's go check!"
They ran outside, to the parking lot, and illuminated by the moon stood a dark hooded figure.
Footsteps were heard and Mai, Mikoto and Shizuru saw that Yukino, Midori and Nao were heading towards them too.
"What are you guys doing here?!" Mai asked in surprise
"That's my line!" Midori replied "We were following--" she paused when she saw the figure standing there motionless.
"Who are you!?" Midori barked in a threatening tone
The figure, lowered her hood, "I am Misa" and after introducing herself she extended her arms "Welcome to my stage!"
"Your stage?" Mai repeated
"What a melodramatic queen we have here…" Nao yawned
"Well the stage has yet to be completed; I am merely setting up your roles, my dear HiMEs"
Upon hearing this everyone opened their eyes in surprise.
"I am here to once again revive the HiME star" after saying this, Misa snapped her fingers, and then all of them started to feel a burning pain on their skin, no, on the area in which their HiME marks were located.
Suddenly, everyone's element was summoned in front of them.
"I'm afraid I cannot give back your child until the star is once up in the sky" Misa said in a faked sad tone.
Everyone stood, gaping on what had just happened. But then they all agreed on one thing, this woman was dangerous.
Without doubting, and completely in sync they grabbed their elements and charged against Misa.
"Oh? Is this how you repay me…?" Misa sighed "come out my cute pet"
In a flash of light, all the HiMEs were repelled and fell onto the ground. And they saw what had repelled them.
Forest green eyes, long hair that glowed in the moon's light… Kuga Natsuki was standing before them aiming her guns at them.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru mouthed in shock
"Natsuki-Chan?"
"Kuga?"
The reaction was the same to everyone.
"Yes I hope you don't mind, but I'm borrowing her." Misa said placing herself behind Natsuki, and running an arm around her waist, Shizuru eyes narrowed. Natsuki however seemed oblivious as if nothing was happening. "She is such a loyal subordinate, and so cute…" Misa pressed her body against hers while placing her hand on her chin and turning Natsuki's face towards her own.
"Let Natsuki go!" Shizuru exploded before she could stop herself; rage that she hadn't felt since the carnival was taking over her.
"Why is that?"Misa taunted her "I don't hear her complaining… do you?"
"Natsuki… you aren't going to do anything?" Shizuru pleaded to Natsuki
Natsuki didn't answer; she didn't react as if her mind was far away
"What did you do to her?!" Mai demanded
Misa chuckled, "I AM going to revive the HiME star, and bring an end to this world"
"That doesn't answer--"
"Natsuki, mind distracting them for a while? I need to get something else done, don't worry I'll be sure to reward you later…" and with a smirk Misa disappeared as Natsuki charged, everyone evaded her, not sure how to confront her.
"We have to get out of here! Mai get Shizuru!" Midori commanded
"Kaichou san we have to go!"
"Natsuki!!!" Shizuru extended her arm towards Natsuki's figure as she was being tugged away by Mai.
OMAKE:
Mai: I think I know why!
Asuka & Natsuki: Why… what?
Mai: I know why you guys can't get along!
Asuka &Natsuki: let's hear it then
Mai: it's because you guys are so similar!
Asuka & Natsuki: SIMILAR?! LIKE HER?!
Mai: (oh my god they are completely in sync)
Shizuru: Ara that may explain why I want to just pounce on Asuka-Chan
Asuka & Natsuki: WHAAATT?!!
OMAKE:
Shizuru: I barely appear anywhere
Asuka: I'm sorry… you will eventually I promise
Shizuru: Ara, ookini Asuka-Chan!!
Asuka: Ahhhh!! Baka! What are you doing!?
Natsuki: Yea, WHAT are you doing Shizuru!!!?