Next chapter up! Much thanks for the reviews :) Concerning one review: I don't think this is going to be a Nat/Nao fic; I'm trying to guide this story towards a ShizNat ending, but hey, I'm making this up as I go along, so who knows? And a small note: all the inventions that are used in this fic are real. Cool, eh?
*Reviews are appreciated* :)
Warning: Violence, swearing, and will probably have some girl-on-girl action in the future. All the good stuff. ;) *Some Reito/male bashing her, no personal offense intended. I honestly like Reito as a character, but hey, someone had to be the villain...*
Disclaimer: Don't own a single darn thing, either James Bond or Mai Hime. T'is a shame, really..


Natsuki plopped down in the chair across Haruka. "Oh? I thought I had two-weeks' leave."

Haruka scowled at Natsuki's casual stance. "You did. I took it away."

She swiveled her chair around and pointed a remote control at the wall. The wall split to reveal a large monitor, showing photos of two handsome dark-haired men in various settings. Natsuki guessed they were related, due to their facial similarities, but the taller, slightly older looking man had striking red eyes and a goatee, while the other man had dark brown, nearly black eyes and a frown present in each photo.

Zooming up on the man with red eyes, Haruka explained, "The Viola Crime Syndicate has always been controlled by two brothers: Kenji Viola, the oldest and head of the entire syndicate, and Akio, his younger brother and second-in-command."

She brought up a more recent photo of the crimson-eyed man, noticeably older, sitting next to a gorgeous young woman with the exact same eyes and luscious honey-brown hair. It was obviously a family photo at the beach, as the older man had his arm around the younger woman, and both were smiling enigmatically at the camera. Despite the graying hair, Kenji Viola was still handsome and in very good shape. The unknown woman was in a red bikini that brought out her eyes and complemented her long legs and statuesque body. The two people were obviously very close.

Natsuki's jaw immediately dropped and her eyes widened. Holy crap, she's HOT!

Oblivious to Natsuki's ogling, Haruka continued.

"Kenji always held more power in the management of VCS, but he was murdered last year in his Tokyo penthouse. No witnesses, and no incriminating evidence. Akio has taken Kenji's place, although it's unclear if he will be able to hold onto it permanently. Kenji's daughter Shizuru Viola is getting ambitious." Haruka gestured to the young woman in the photo.

"She's taken control over the syndicate's South and East Asian branches, where most of their profit is generated in major Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo…Control over VCS Asia is a near guarantee of becoming head of the Viola family. It's not clear how Uncle Akio feels about her growing influence, but her cousin Reito is most definitely jealous."

Natsuki looked slightly intrigued. "So they're undergoing a small family feud. I don't see why MI6 has to get involved."

Haruka's agitation increased, as did the volume of her voice. "Normally I'd agree with you—for once—but this particular family feud involves the international affairs of nearly 30 different countries, including major powerhouses such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.

Her voice shook in indignation, and Haruka abruptly stood up and slammed her fists on her desk.

"The Viola family has its filthy fingers in every pie! Nineteen out of the twenty G-20 nations are involved with VCS! NINETEEN! The abductions in this world are astounding!" Haruka raged.

The intercom on Haruka's desk crackled, and a tinny voice corrected, "It's 'corruption', sir."

Haruka barked at the intercom. "Thank you Yukino. Now stop eavesdropping."

Ignoring the meek "sorry", Natsuki mused, "Nineteen? What about the twentieth country?"

"Turkey's Minister of Finance was recently forced to resign. A very hushed affair. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Violas already installed another member in the Turkish Cabinet."

"Ah."

Haruka cleared her throat. "I digress. The reason that the Prime Minister ordered me to look into this affair is because Reito Kanzaki Viola, Akio's son, also wants complete control over the Viola family. Certainly, Shizuru Viola is dangerous, and underestimating her will be the last thing you do, but Reito is psychotic. He calls himself the "Obsidian Lord", and regards himself as a near-god."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "Typical male."

Haruka looked askance at Natsuki. "You know, Kruger, you should really see a therapist for those daddy issues of yours."

Receiving a noncommittal grunt in response, Haruka shrugged and continued.

"This internal power struggle within VCS is bound to culminate in disaster. Shizuru's faction, Kiyohime, currently controls the VCS branches in Southern and Eastern Asia, but Kanzaki wants to take over. Badly. And the man's probably insane enough to start a war for it."

Haruka looked uncharacteristically gloomy at the end of her commentary.

Natsuki stood and cracked her knuckles. Her eyes found the photo of Kenji and Shizuru Viola, lingering on the form of Shizuru.

"Well then, I guess I'm off to infiltrate Kiyohime—"

Haruka interrupted impatiently. "Absolutely not! You're going to the VCS branch in Buenos Aires to spy on Kanzaki!"

Natsuki saw her mental fantasy of cavorting with Shizuru Viola on the same beach wearing that same bikini as in the photo disappear right before her eyes.

She practically whimpered in disappointment. "But H—"

Haruka furiously held up a finger. "One: I recognized that glint in your eyes when you looked at that photo! It was taken ten years ago, when Shizuru Viola was nineteen! She's not the same person!"

Natsuki looked pensive. "She's only five years older then. That's not so bad, I've had much older before—"

Haruka raised a second finger. "Two! You are Natsuki Kruger, an agent of England's Secret Intelligence Service. Shizuru Viola is one of the most wanted criminals in the world," Haruka seethed. "Trying to get into her pants would be highly unadvisable."

"Actually—"

"Three!" Haruka roared, imperiously lifting her third finger and thrusting her three outstretched fingers in Natsuki's face. "You are a complete horndog who has no self-control at all, and I am your commander, who is ordering you to go to Argentina!"

Natsuki sighed in defeat. "So let me get this straight: you want me to go to Buenos Aires to spy on one Reito Kanzaki Viola, who by all accounts, is—pardon my French—apeshit crazy?"

Haruka gave her a sardonic look. "Oui."

Natsuki sighed again. "Fantastic. Fire up the jet."


Natsuki and Haruka strode over the tarmac to the waiting jet. The sun was setting, elongating their shadows on the asphalt.

Ignoring the hustle and bustle of numerous personnel, Haruka turned to Natsuki.

"Yohko supplied you with T.A.D's newest inventions?"

Natuski nodded. "New phone, poison pen, and cigarette gun, among others. She also gave me some of the classics, like the dagger shoe and garrote watch, and upgraded Duran."

Haruka shook her head. "Why you named your car Duran, I'll never know. Anyways, your contact is Agent Mai Tokiha of the Japanese Secret Service. JSS said they have some information to share with us."

Handing Natsuki a semi-thick manila folder stuffed with papers, Haruka continued, "You have a 13-hour flight ahead of you, so use the time wisely and read it on the plane. It's additional data on Reito Kanzaki, Shizuru Viola, and the past known dealings of VCS."

Haruka looked more serious than Natsuki had ever seen her before.

"Never underestimate the Violas, Kruger."

They came to a standstill at the bottom of the plane steps. Haruka gruffly cleared her throat and looked away. "This is an important mission, 007. Don't mess up."

Natsuki quirked an eyebrow. "H, have I ever let you down?"

"Frequently!" Haruka shot back, but the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. Natsuki gave her a reckless grin and went up the steps.


Haruka clasped her hands behind her back and watched the plane take off from a distance. She had a grim smile on her face. "Shizuru, old friend, this is going to be your downfall."


Natsuki stepped out of the cramped space of the airplane bathroom and straightened her cuffs. Behind her, one of the flight attendants was slumped down on the toilet seat, nearly unconscious from the intense pleasure she had just received. Natsuki carefully closed the door and made her way to her seat, winking at another flight attendant as she passed by. The woman blushed, but looked at her coyly from underneath lowered lashes.

Should I sleep with this one too? Natsuki considered thoughtfully. Looking at her watch, she discovered that there was only half an hour until arrival. Pity, there's not enough time. She walked over to the bar and quietly asked for a mayonnaise sandwich. Ignoring the strange look she received from the bartender, Natsuki pulled out the manila folder and skimmed through the files once more. She stopped at the file of Shizuru Viola. Gazing at the snapshot of the woman, Natsuki reread what little data that had been gathered on Shizuru Viola.

"Hmmm…Born December 19 to Kenji Viola and an unnamed Russian mother who died when she was two, raised in Kyoto by her father, attended Oxford, trained as a child in the art of naginata, speaks fluent Japanese, English, French, Italian, Arabic, and Russian…currently 29 years old, 5 feet and 4 inches tall, 101 pounds, head of VCS Middle East, Australia, and Asia…obsessed with tea?" Natsuki was confused by the last piece of information.

"There's not much information on you, Miss Viola," Natsuki chided the snapshot. "Who gathered this?"

Natsuki squinted at the bottom right of the paper to see the name of the reporting agent. "Agent Haruka Armitage, 004." She gave a little start. "Isn't that H? Of all people, how did H—"

She felt a presence to her right and immediately stopped talking. Glancing up, Natsuki saw the flight attendant she had made love to in the bathroom waiting with her hands clasped. The attendant blushed heavily when they made eye contact, but cleared her throat.

"We have arrived at Buenos Aires, Agent Kruger. The local time is 4 AM; 7 AM in London. Your car is waiting on the runway below."

Natsuki flashed her a brilliant smile. "Thank you…" The smile turned into a smirk. "…For everything."

The flight attendant turned extremely red and giggled. "Good luck, Agent Kruger."

Grabbing the folder and her coat, Natsuki left the plane. Idling on the runway was her beloved silver Aston Martin DBS. Natsuki lovingly ran her hand on its side before slinging her bag into the passenger seat and sliding into the driver's seat. She revved the engine and nearly moaned out loud when the engine growled in response. Well, hello to you too, Duran.

Shifting it into gear, Natsuki looked at herself in the rear-view mirror. The sky was still a dark blue, but a faint pink was coloring the horizon. The corner of Natsuki's mouth lifted in anticipation. And here…we…go! The Aston Martin peeled out of the airport, leaving behind the lingering smell of burning rubber.


Natsuki sat up from the cushy king-sized bed and yawned. The spacious suite that MI6 had given her at the ritzy hotel certainly was comfortable. Natsuki glanced at the clock. It was almost 6 o'clock; there was a birthday party at the mansion of a wealthy Argentinean businessman at 7 o'clock. Natsuki was to meet up with her contact there. Natsuki had no idea what this Mai Tokiha looked like, or how she was supposed to recognize her…heck, she didn't even know how H managed to procure an invitation to this party either, since Natsuki's arrival was rather sudden.

She shrugged. It was time to get ready, and MI6 had supplied the closet with a variety of designer suits. Natuski fingered the fine material of her silk dress shirt. One of the perks of the job, she thought happily. She chose a classic black Brioni tuxedo; after all, some of the world's wealthiest people were going to be in attendance, including Reito Kanzaki. Natuski began to get ready for the party.

The Aston Martin smoothly pulled up in the driveway of the luxurious mansion at 7:30; Natsuki always liked being "fashionably late". The valets' eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful car. Their jaws dropped when the door opened and Natsuki smoothly stepped out, straightening her tuxedo and smoothing back her hair. The suit was a well-tailored blend of masculinity and femininity, seemingly giving her a tomboyish appeal, yet accentuating her curves.

Natsuki nodded curtly at the valet and handed him the keys.

"If there's even one scratch on my baby, you will lose the ability to have your own babies," Natsuki threatened with a glare.

The valet gulped and nodded. Satisfied, she strode into the mansion and was led to the ballroom. The entire place was dripping with money and practically screamed out, "Look at how rich I am!" The room was filled with men and women in luxurious designer clothing, and the air was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume. Natsuki sighed and snagged some caviar from a passing waiter. Lamenting the lack of mayonnaise, she made her way to the bar.

"Dry martini. Three measures of gin, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel."

An attractive blonde woman draped in furs laughed next to Natsuki. "That's a very exact drink."

Natsuki slowly looked the woman up and down. She didn't seem to be Mai Tokiha. "Perfection usually is."

The woman gave her a flirtatious smile. "And do you have the same standards for women, Miss…?"

Natsuki received her drink from the bartender and took a sip. She looked at the blond from over the rim of the glass. "Kruger. Natsuki Kruger."

Draining the rest of her drink, she set the glass on the counter. "Of course I have the same standards. Would you like to dance?"


Natsuki slowly sipped at her third martini as she watched the dancers absent-mindedly. Three hours had already passed, and there was still no sign of Agent Tokiha, although Natsuki had caught a fleeting glimpse of Reito Kanzaki from across the room.

Natsuki swished her drink around and scanned the room again. A gorgeous redhead with well-endowed breasts took a seat next to her and smiled at her. "Some night, huh?"

This was the tenth woman to approach her tonight. Natsuki slowly scanned her up and down. The redhead was wearing a stunning black cocktail dress that showed off her long legs and cleavage, but a closer inspection revealed that her arms and legs were well muscled, and a slight, almost unnoticeable bulge protruded from her upper thigh. Natsuki smirked. Bingo.

Natsuki looked into the lavender eyes of Mai Tokiha. "Indeed it is, Miss Tokiha."

Agent Tokiha chuckled. "I've been watching you all evening, Miss Kruger."

Natsuki waved a hand. "Call me Natsuki. Did you like what you see, Miss Tokiha?"

"Mai. And you certainly didn't disappoint. Concerning business, though...I have some news concerning a Mr. Reito Kanzaki."

"As interesting as it sounds, perhaps we should retire to a…quieter place to discuss this."

Mai smiled in a flirtatious manner. "Perhaps we should. Maybe we can talk over coffee tomorrow morning?"

"Hnn."

"Is there anything else you want to say, Natsuki?"

"Well, to be blunt, I think you look stunning. I've never seen hair so vividly red like yours."

"I hear that often."

"Well, I've heard natural redheads are a dying breed."

An elegant eyebrow lifted. "Really? I've always considered that a legend…although what would you do about it, if it were true?"

Natsuki shrugged. "Personally, I would start procreating as soon as possible."

Mai smiled. "Noted. And speaking of legends, you yourself are one, Miss Kruger. JSS is abuzz with stories of your exploits and…abilities."

Natsuki lazily smirked. "Rumors can never be confirmed by anybody but the person whom it concerns. And I can't really say, myself."

"It's a good thing I'm around then."

Natsuki's eyes darkened as Mai smiled seductively. Grabbing onto Mai's wrist, Natsuki led her out of the mansion to her car.


Yep, they get it on. Nope, it probably isn't a Mai/Natsuki story. 'Til next time, kiddies!