A/N: Yes, it's true. Your eyes are not deceiving you, I'm back. After a long hiatus I return to you with a new chapter of this story. First of all I apologize for the long wait. I'll just say that due to several reasons I couldn't continue writing, but finally I managed to overcome that and I'm here. I also want to thank all the people that have added me in their favorite author's list or that have added this story to their favorites. Even if I was gone for quite a long time, messages like these continued arriving to my mail and they made me really happy. I was glad to see that you still like my fics and that continued waiting for an update. And now here you have it.
As always thanks to Leebot-sensei for beta-ing this chapter.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you proceed to read the chapter: There's a small remark in one specific part in here; it appears as (1.) When you see it, be sure to play the theme 'Sora (end version)' from the album 'Escaflowne Unreleased Movie Rips'. If you don't have the theme, don't worry, I've uploaded it on mediafire. You can find the link for the download on my profile. If the link or the site doesn't work for you, let me know so I can upload it somewhere else. I really recommend listening to it so you could perceive better what I wanted to convey with the writing and the emotions in that part, if you don't want to then its okay.
Thanks for your support and don't forget to review. At the end of the chapter there is another important and special notice. Now you may continue reading.
Disclaimer: Everything is property of their respective authors, mostly Sunrise.
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Into the Another World - Chapter 6
It was an incredible morning, the weather was simply perfect to go out and jog or have a simple walk in the company of the person you loved. However, a couple laying on a bed in a certain school dorm have not noticed it since they were still in the dream world. Shizuru snuggled closer to Natsuki as the angel held her goddess in a possessive embrace. This certainly felt good but for some reason she also was feeling uneasy. She couldn't determine the reason but something was off. She didn't question her love or feelings for Shizuru because that wasn't the reason for the uneasiness; it was more like something to do with herself, something deep inside her that was making her doubt.
She had spent what they called 'weekend' in the company of Shizuru. They'd gone out to many places and she'd gotten to know a lot of machines and objects that amazed her. She never thought the Guiding Star would be such an interesting place full of science and wonders. It had its flaws just like Earl but it was a nice world. But for some reason she'd been having a strange sensation all these past days, as if she was leaving something important aside. Natsuki opened her eyes slowly, as if trying to find an answer by doing it in slow motion.
- "Why am I feeling like this?" – Natsuki sighed – "What can be the reason…?"
Shizuru stirred in her sleep and after suppressing a yawn she opened her eyes. Her gaze falling in the gorgeous features of her guardian angel, who seemed to be deep in thought. Tilting her head up, she placed her lips upon Natsuki's. At feeling the contact Natsuki closed her eyes and reciprocated the kiss with equal tenderness. The minutes went by quickly, so, sadly for them they had to pull apart when the alarm clock went off and announced that they had to get up. Reluctantly, Shizuru got up from bed, straightening her night gown, which happened to be pulled quite a ways upwards revealing her perfect thighs. Natsuki blushed at the sight, earning a giggle from Shizuru. It never ceased to amaze her how Natsuki would fluster at catching a glimpse of her body when she'd already given herself to her beautiful angel the other night.
- "Maybe that just shows how pure and loving she is…" – thought Shizuru with a smile gracing her lips.
She looked at Natsuki to see the girl back deep in thought again.
- "Natsuki, is something wrong?"
- "Eh? Ah…nothing…" – said the girl quickly – "I was just wondering…why we got up at this time Shizuru." – answered the girl so Shizuru wouldn't get worried about her whirling emotions.
- "Ara…that's right, you don't know about it. Well Natsuki, we had to get up early today because I need to go to school."
- "School?"
- "Yes, I assume that Natsuki had to take lessons of various things in Earl to learn what she had to, am I right?" – the girl nodded – "It is the same here in Earth. We have to take lessons to learn about many topics."
- "So you study about every topic even if you're not interested on it?"
- "Yes."
- "That sounds complicated, and also a bit boring."
- "How's the education in Earl?"
The girl thought for a second before answering.
- "In my case I had private lessons, and just like you I study about every topic. However, the rest of the people learn what they want to specialize at since they are little. Usually all the knowledge is inherited from the family."
- "Just like in the Feudal times…"
- "Uh?"
- "Oh, nothing Natsuki, I was talking to myself." – Shizuru looked back at the alarm clock – "Ara…we must hurry so we won't be late."
Shizuru gave Natsuki a chaste kiss on her lips and disappeared to the bathroom. Natsuki sat on the bed waiting for Shizuru to finish with her bath, all the time trying to figure out what was 'that' she felt. Unfortunately she didn't come up with an answer, so she focused on other stuff at the moment. Said stuff being the underwear Shizuru had bought her. The other day when they were out, they'd gone to many places, one of them being a store that had many kinds of underwear or as the people in the Guiding Star called it: 'lingerie'. She'd never seen such articles before; the undergarments worn in Earl were plain and very simple in design. Not even royalty used such articles, as she knew so herself. So when she saw them here, she had been captivated by the beauty of them; the delicate materials, the fine and soft texture, the magnificence of them was simply amazing. In fact she'd seen Shizuru wear one of these pieces the night Shizuru and she professed their love for each other. One might think she didn't notice the article that was covering Shizuru's perfect breasts that night, but truth be told she was intrigued by it since she saw it, however her mind wasn't focused on it at all since her attention had been mainly towards the goddess craving for her to touch.
And now she had a couple of these wonderful pieces. The odyssey to get them was quite embarrassing, since Natsuki didn't know her size Shizuru gladly offered her help; unknown to Natsuki it involved a lot of groping. So, after some agonizing minutes that seemed like hours they got a couple of cute pieces for Natsuki's perfect body.
After buying the pieces they continued with their date along the store and the city. During the walk another girl had approached them and had asked Shizuru about something which Natsuki didn't quite understand but it looked like it was related to something about 'school' at which Shizuru answered the girl and helped her. Before leaving them alone again, the girl had thanked Shizuru and had showed a lot of respect towards her. Natsuki just ignored the action for the moment since she was more intrigued with all the other stuff she was seeing in the guiding star; but now that she was alone with her thoughts again, it bothered her. Not that she was jealous, it was something else; however she couldn't figure it out yet.
Natsuki heard the door of the bathroom opening and saw Shizuru going out in clad only in a towel, and couldn't help but blush at the sight. Shizuru, noticing the reaction she caused in the young girl smiled mischievously. Letting the towel open a bit she began to strip of it to change into her school uniform. Before the towel hit the floor, Natsuki already had run to the bathroom to take a cold bath herself and be on time to leave with Shizuru for 'school'. Shizuru had to suppress a giggle at her angel's behavior; really it was amusing how she could make Natsuki blush so easily.
After some minutes, Natsuki left the bathroom also clad only in a towel, she was nervous that Shizuru might tease her about it, luckily for her she was not in the room but in the kitchenette doing breakfast. Natsuki changed into her now fresh set of clothes and went to the kitchenette to help Shizuru in whatever she could.
The young women had breakfast and prepared to leave for school in no time. Shizuru took her bag and put on her shoes and Natsuki just took her coat as always and her boots, then they walked out of the dorms building to head for school. When they arrived at the gates Natsuki was amazed at how big and elegant it was. It had a garden or more like a forest with a road that led to the main building and then other buildings were around it, they were not as big as the other but nonetheless it was impressive. To her it was like a small town like those in the borders of Aries. Shizuru smiled fondly at her angel and taking her hand she began to lead the way since Natsuki was too impressed to walk on her own.
They walked along the rocky path leading to the main building. It was still early but there were already some students walking around. A small group of students took notice of Shizuru and walked to her. Upon noticing the group of girls approaching Shizuru let go of Natsuki's hand and offered a polite smile to the students, Natsuki noticed that this smile was not real at all but also it wasn't fake or built up. It was more like a 'diplomatic' smile.
- "Kaichou-sama, good morning!" – said one of the girls. – "I was looking for you."
- "Good morning Amano-san. Tell me how can I help you?"
- "Well, I wanted to discuss with you something important regarding the track & field club."
- "Sure, let's discuss it today during the fourth period. I'll make sure to inform your teacher about it."
- "Thank you Kaichou-sama."
After that the girl offered a bow and left with the group of girls. Taking the raven haired girl's hand again in her own Shizuru said.
- "Let's go, I'll show you around until classes start."
Natsuki nodded in agreement and began to walk again being led by Shizuru one more time. Shizuru went first to her class room that was empty by that time. After placing her bag on her desk she smiled at Natsuki and taking her hand she led her out of the classroom and began to show her around. They went to many of the rooms that the school had, some very common for Shizuru but for Natsuki were amazing; some of her favorite rooms had been the music room and the library, where Shizuru discovered there that her angel was quite a bookworm, she had had the feeling that Natsuki was that way when they were back at her room and now that feeling was confirmed. Natsuki also seemed interested in how people in the 'Guiding Star' trained in what they called 'gym'. As Shizuru explained to her, they didn't train nor do these kinds of activities for war or anything but sometimes just for mere fun; which she found nice, she would like to see that in Aries when she had the chance. Now they were at the rooftop of the main building looking in the distance in the direction of the town. The sight was wonderful; both of them felt complete and happy, unconsciously Natsuki grabbed Shizuru's hand and squeezed it softly. Shizuru smiled at such a tiny action. Looking at her wristwatch – which was in her other hand – she saw that they still had some time before classes started. Turning her gaze to Natsuki she said:
- "To where does Natsuki want to go now?"
The raven haired girl thought for a moment before responding.
- "Whenever you wish is fine with me. You've shown me great places already."
Shizuru smiled at Natsuki and then a place came to her mind, she'd almost forgotten about that one! Giving Natsuki a quick kiss on the cheek she said.
- "Then I'll show you a more wonderful place."
Natsuki blushed at the action and nodded in agreement. Both girls walked hand in hand, Shizuru leading the way all the time. They left the main building and began to walk to a small house located at the back of the school; Natsuki noticed it was quite a secluded place and the atmosphere was relaxing and cozy. After some minutes of walking they arrived. They were outside of a traditional Japanese house. Shizuru removed the lock and slid the door open pulling Natsuki inside. Walking down the hall finally they made it to their destination, at which Natsuki's eyes and mouth opened widely in amazement. They were in the stone garden that was in the backyard of the tea-club house.
Natsuki was marveled at such a place, it somehow reminded her some of the holy sanctuaries back on Earl. Those places always made her feel safe and allowed her to forget for a moment all her troubles and worries. Natsuki let go off Shizuru's hand and walked to the center of the garden.
- "This place is wonderful Shizuru! I never thought you'd have something like this in the 'Guiding Star'."
- "Ara, I'm happy that Natsuki likes it." – then she thought about the words the girl said – "Are there places like this in Earl?"
- "Well, yes, they're kind of similar in a way. I like to go to those places. Mother usually went to one that was near Aries."
- "Did Natsuki's mother take her to that place?"
- "Just a couple of times, then I went by myself. It was a long time ago." – said Natsuki with a sad smile.
- "Natsuki…"
Shizuru walked to her raven haired angel and held her in a loving embrace. Natsuki returned the gesture as a content smile adorned her face. It had been a long time since she felt so free and at ease. She wondered how long she would be able to stay like this. Her thoughts were interrupted when the school bell began to ring, announcing the start of classes. Both girls were startled by it, looking at each other in the eyes they began to laugh. Shizuru still giggling a bit said:
- "Ara, we better hurry and go back."
Natsuki simply nodded and followed the brunette out. Shizuru closed the door of the tea ceremony house and began to walk in the direction of her class, Natsuki walking by her side, they were chatting a little of what Natsuki thought about the school so far when Natsuki noticed how a small group approached them and surrounded Shizuru. They asked the chestnut haired girl about Natsuki, at which she responded that she was showing the girl around school as she was a possible transfer student. The group acknowledged Natsuki for a moment, to which the girl simply replied with a nod. Then the group returned their attention to Shizuru and began to ask her about different stuff that Natsuki once again didn't catch; something about permissions to create clubs and how to gain funds to maintain it, among other topics. Natsuki watched how Shizuru was always smiling to the group and answering their questions without trouble. When they were done they bid farewell to Shizuru and Natsuki.
The couple began to walk again towards Shizuru's classroom. Along the way Natsuki could hear how all these people greeted Shizuru happily and called her by the title of 'Kaichou-sama'; not only the young people but also the elder ones, the ones that Shizuru referred to as 'teachers'. Everyone was content to see Shizuru and to receive help from her. While she was thinking about it, her mind traveled back, to memories of years ago from Aries.
********* Flash back ****************
A younger Natsuki was walking hand in hand with a little blonde girl, being followed by a tall woman with piercing red eyes and blue hair. The little blonde girl was laughing freely when a voice of a woman called a name:
- "Natsuki-sama!!"
The raven haired girl turned her attention to the woman and talked to her for a while, when she was done the woman gave her a smile and handed a small bag with candies to the small girl.
The two girls continued walking for a while when another voice called the same name.
- "Natsuki-sama!!"
This happened several times along that day, there was a point where a man asked something important that Natsuki had to attend to immediately. The green eyed girl knelt and told the small girl by her side.
- "Why don't you go play with Miyu? I'll be a bit busy, but I'll go and catch you later, okay?"
The small blonde girl nodded, understanding that the older girl was busy and after giving her a small kiss on the cheek she grabbed the hand of the other woman and left with her not before saying.
- "See you later, onee-chan!"
Natsuki gave her a small smile and then turned to the man that was waiting for her.
These kind of things had been happening for quite some time now; and it didn't happen only that day, but also the next day and the day after that, and so on, up until that fateful day. Every day someone would come up to her with concern but also hope in their eyes, always calling her.
- "Natsuki-sama…"
- "Thanks for your help Natsuki-sama…"
- "It's Natsuki-sama!!..."
- "Good to see you Natsuki-sama…"
************** End of flashback ************
- "Kaichou-sama!"
Natsuki was brought back from her memories when hearing the cheerful tone of a girl next to her calling for Shizuru. She saw the joy in the girl's face after Shizuru greeted her. All the faces of the people in Aries came to her mind; how they looked very similar to the faces of the people here. Her heart ached a bit at the sight, a stinging pain running across her body, remorse and guilt filling her whole being.
- "Natsuki?"
The girl turned her gaze to Shizuru, who was looking at her with concern in those red ruby eyes.
- "You look a bit pale, are you alright?"
Natsuki smiled and said.
- "Ye…yeah, I'm fine. It's just that…"
- "Yes Natsuki?"
- "I would like to look around a bit more. Is that okay?" – Natsuki tensed a little bit, feeling nervous that she might disappoint or worry the other girl; and more even, that she might notice the mess that her head and the emotions were at that moment.
Shizuru let out a small chuckle and said.
- "Ara, so Natsuki wants to skip class? Could it be that she also does that back at home?"
- "I don't!!" – replied Natsuki – "Well, not too much anyway…"
Shizuru suppressed a giggle at the blushing face that Natsuki had. Taking Natsuki's hand in her own, Shizuru said.
- "I understand Natsuki. It will be fine if you go and look around." – Shizuru gave a reassuring squeeze to Natsuki's hand. Natsuki immediately relaxed at the gesture. – "I only have to get you a special pass so no-one will be surprised by you wandering around."
- "Is it really okay? You won't be in trouble because of that?" – asked Natsuki with a doubtful tone.
- "Its fine Natsuki, don't worry too much about it. Come, we have to retrieve it from the student council room."
The raven haired girl simply nodded and allowed the other girl to drag her all the way to their destiny. Shizuru opened the student council room and entered, still holding Natsuki's hand. Once inside, she let go of the other girl and went to her desk. Natsuki watched her for a moment and the scanned the room they were in. It looked plain compared to the other rooms she had gone into with Shizuru earlier that morning. There was just one thing that made it different to the others; there was a tea mug and a tea pot in one of the shelves. Natsuki smiled at the sight of it; without doubt it was Shizuru's. She simply knew it.
Shizuru in the mean time had opened a drawer and taken out a piece of paper that resembled a card. The filled some information and signed it. She got up and looked at Natsuki, who was staring at something in the room. Shizuru followed Natsuki's gaze and smiled at the sight. Her angel was looking at the tea mug. Closing the drawer and standing up from the desk she walked to the raven haired girl and hugging her from behind she said.
- "Is Natsuki that thrilled with that cup?"
Natsuki chuckled a little.
- "What thrills me is how addicted you are to your 'tea'."
- "Does Natsuki dislike it?"
- "Not at all." – said Natsuki. Releasing herself a little from the hug she turned around and looking at Shizuru she continued – "It's a part of you. And I must say quite an interesting one."
- "Ara, Natsuki is so sweet."
Giving her a quick kiss on the lips, Shizuru released Natsuki and then gave her the paper she had filled out before.
- "Take this Natsuki. With this pass you will be able to wander around school freely."
- "Thanks." – said Natsuki taking the paper and then looked at it. Of course she couldn't understand what it had written on it.
Shizuru noticed Natsuki's confused expression and said.
- "If someone comes near asking you about anything just show them this. After they read it, they shouldn't bother you anymore."
- "And what does it say here? So I won't mess up."
- "Basically it says that you are a foreign student looking around campus and that you don't speak or understand our language."
Which in a certain way was true, added Shizuru in her mind.
- "Thanks Shizuru."
- "You're welcome Natsuki." – giving the girl a last kiss Shizuru said. – "I'd better go back to class. Now go and enjoy yourself my precious angel."
- "You too take care." – said Natsuki with her cheeks blushing a little.
Shizuru suppressed a giggle, then sliding the door open she left the room and walked away in the direction of her classroom leaving Natsuki by herself.
After Shizuru was gone, Natsuki smiled a bitter smile. She didn't like nor want to lie to Shizuru, but she knew that if she stayed by her side all day, certainly the brunette being as sharp as she was would note her uneasiness and it would only worry her. Deciding to discover the reason of her discomfort she left the room, it wouldn't be good if someone saw her there even if Shizuru had given her that pass, she didn't want to bother or cause any problems to Shizuru while being in the 'Guiding Star'; so it would be best if she went to a more deserted place and without drawing too much attention.
Natsuki walked as stealthily as possible so not many students would spot her and become curious about her, she had to find a good place to think. That's when she remembered that place that Shizuru had shown her, making up her mind she decided to go to that peaceful place. While sneaking around and out of the building she was able to hear a lot more of chatting regarding Shizuru.
- "Looks like I'm not the only one that loves her." – thought Natsuki.
Finally Natsuki made it to the place she was going to. She didn't have key access like Shizuru but thankfully she was skilled enough to access to it. With some climbing and jumps she went inside and then took a seat. She sat with her legs crossed, her arms and shoulders relaxing, joining her palms she got in a meditation pose. It wasn't until then that she allowed all her thoughts and emotions to completely invade her and assault her. She was ready to confront them and accept them, not mattering what the result were to be in the end.
- "Now then, why is it that I've been feeling all wary this weekend? Especially since we found that girl in that mall, also when we arrived here at school; just when I thought it was gone, this feeling surfaced again. But besides it, I'm happy that I was able to fulfill my promise to her, that I would find a way to return her to her home. "– Certainly Natsuki didn't know how it was possible for both of them to go back to the 'Guiding Star', she hadn't thought much about that subject since they arrived there, but really, it wasn't much of a deal, the way it happened might remain a mystery and the fact was that they were already there and that Shizuru at least was in her own world. That's what mattered to Natsuki the most; that she was able to keep her word and promise to the chestnut haired girl.
- "And I'm here with her, as a proof that all the things that happened in Earl were not a dream, just like she thought when she arrived. I'm happy to be here with her but……why is it that when she's here with her people, my heart aches? Not that I feel jealous, it aches for something else......come Natsuki…think more about it. When everyone calls her Kaichou-sama and she helps them, their faces bright up…uh?"
In that instant everything made sense to Natsuki; snapping her eyes widely open she jerked forward supporting herself with her hands, loosing her meditation pose completely, her breathing was labored and her face showed nothing less than shock.
- "Why didn't I notice it sooner? President…she's their president; the important position she told me she had when we were in Earl the first time we met. That's why everyone is happy with her here, she guides them, everyone trusts in her……just like they do with me back in Earl. So……that's why. When I look at her and what she causes, she reminds me what I do and all my people. " – tears started gather at the emerald eyes – "As much as I love her, there are things that I still have to do, and only me can do back home. The people I swore to protect, to look after……Alyssa……" letting a couple of tears fell she whispered – "…Shizuru…"
Standing up she left the place the same way she got in and went to do what she considered was best.
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After Shizuru had left the Student Council Room.
Shizuru walked back to her class room, going inside she noticed that it was mostly empty, except for one noisy blonde and a girl with glasses by her side.
- "Bubuzuke Onna! At least you arrive!! I've been waiting for you so you can give me those depots!!"
- "It's reports Haruka-chan."
- "Precisely Yukino, thanks for empathizing that for me."
- "It's emphasizing."
- "That's what I said." – Haruka turning completely her gaze to Shizuru said – "So, you have them?"
Shizuru was a bit startled by that, what was Haruka talking about, even more, why wasn't she concerned by her sudden disappearance? After all she'd been out for a while during all the time she was in Earl, and according to her that had been quite some days if not weeks, right? But right now, first things first, what was Haruka referring to.
- "What could you possibly mean Suzushiro-san?"
- "You know exactly what I'm talking about……ah! I see, you are implying that you have done them already and that I'm questioning your work as you always do with me right? Well, then I'm not going to ask anymore about it. I'll see them later."
- "Of course." - said Shizuru.
Haruka turned around so she was facing the girl with glasses and said.
- "Thanks for waiting Yukino, it looks like we'll be done with those reports later. You better go back to your class before bell rings or I'll have to give you redemption."
- "Do you mean detention, Haruka-chan?"
- "You don't have to repeat it Yukino. Well, I'll see you after classes."
- "Okay, Haruka-chan. Have a good day Kaichou-san."
- "You too Kikukawa-san."
When Yukino left the classroom the bell rang announcing the start of classes. In that moment several students came in and filled the classroom being followed by their homeroom teacher. Soon, the lesson started.
Shizuru was very surprised at what the teacher was showing in today's class. If she wasn't mistaken they've already seen this lesson. They saw it on the day when Haruka asked her about her dream and the day when she was transported to Earl. How was it possible? Could it be that contrary to everything that she had thought days in Earl and the Earth went through different? That in reality she was gone for a mere day? No, that wasn't possible, that wouldn't explain why the teacher was giving the same lesson as before……then that just meant, that she had gone back in time, she was in the past. Shizuru couldn't understand how it was possible or why it had happened. She kept thinking about it all the time her classes lasted until the fourth period when she remembered she'd promised Amano-san to check on some requests from the track & field club, when she informed the teacher about it she went to the Student council room and took a seat on her desk. She smiled at the memory she created with Natsuki earlier that morning, when she had given her the pass so she could explore the school grounds as much as she wanted. Some minutes had passed when a knock on the door was heard announcing Amano-san arrival. Soon all the concerns were cleared out and the captain of the club left, that's when Shizuru noticed that it was almost lunch time. She had forgotten to tell Natsuki about it, so they could see each other and have it together. It would be difficult to find her, given the fact that maybe Natsuki was still looking around school and they didn't have a way to contact each other. She thought about the possibility of asking some students if they had seen her but that would draw a lot of attention and even start gossips about a foreign student being in the school. Sadly she'd have to let it pass this time but she promised herself that next time she'd get Natsuki to eat lunch with her. She was still all giddy and spacing out thinking about Natsuki when the door for the student council slid open and a blonde girl came inside.
- "You're happier than usual Shizuru."
Upon hearing the voice Shizuru snapped out of her reverie and simply said.
- "Do you think so Haruka?"
- "Of course, I may not speak correctly but I'm quite perspective about this stuff."
- "Ara…I've heard that speech before." – thought Shizuru. Certainly it had been a deja vú.
- "So, can you tell me the reason of it?"
- "It's about my dream. It came true."
- "Is that so? I'm happy for you. But you must remember Shizuru, that even if it came true, you have to continue fighting to keep it alive."
Shizuru opened her eyes slightly in surprise. After that, the bell rang indicating the end of lunch break. Haruka opened the door but before leaving she said.
- "Whatever you decide I'll be supporting you."
Shizuru was more than astonished by Haruka's words. What was she trying to say?
- "To continue fighting to keep the dream alive…?" – whispered Shizuru.
She didn't know why, but in the moment she said it, the image of Natsuki came to her mind and her heart ached. Shizuru mindlessly walked back to her class to continue taking the rest of her lessons; however she didn't pay any attention to them since her mind had been drifting back to her precious angel. Now that she thought about it more carefully, Natsuki had been acting a little bit different since that morning; she had been spacing out and also being deep in thought. In fact she had sensed something odd when she had met the emerald eyes when they were together. Natsuki was strained about something, but even after thinking about it she couldn't pinpoint what exactly was causing her angel such distress. Thankfully classes ended soon, without Shizuru noticing it, everyone had already left, even Haruka. Her mind was plagued with questions and insecurities, and the only one who could assist her and reassure her that everything was fine wasn't here. She had to look for Natsuki, it didn't matter if this time she drew too much attention, she would apologize to Natsuki for it later. Shizuru took her belongings and began to search for the raven haired girl everywhere. Unfortunately Shizuru didn't have any luck and the few students that had remained had not seen her angel. Shizuru was starting to feel anxious, she had to find Natsuki!
- "Relax Shizuru…maybe she already went back to the dorms." – thought Shizuru.
Without wasting another second the girl began to walk gracefully but with confident and fast steps back to her dorm, with the hopes of finding Natsuki there. When she arrived hastily she opened the door and called out for her precious girl.
- "Natsuki! Are you here?" – unfortunately only silence greeted her – "Please Natsuki, answer me!"
Leaving her bag over on the couch she started to look for the younger girl. She wasn't anywhere to be found inside the dorm. Shizuru was feeling tenser with every second that passed; she was starting to think again that maybe everything had been an illusion, or even worse a hallucination created by her mind at the desperation of meeting the girl in her dreams. Her breathing became heavier and her body started to tremble. Had she lost her mind? Shizuru closed her eyes for a moment to try to regain her composure. When she opened them they laid on an object carefully placed near the bed, leaning on the wall. It was Duran! Natsuki's weapon, it was still here; Natsuki would never leave Duran or hand it over, unless there was a deep reason behind it. She walked to it and carefully took it in her hands. Tracing her slender fingers along the majestic piece of weaponry she thought.
- "There's no way this can be a hallucination nor an illusion. This is real. Oh…Natsuki, where are you? I need you more than ever. To know that you're still here with me."
Just when she was about to place Duran where it had been, Shizuru noticed that some of her books were out of place and that a piece of paper was laying over the table. She walked to it still carrying Duran in her hands. What she saw left her speechless. It was a letter, or definitely it looked like one. However it was written in characters she couldn't comprehend. She stared at the piece of paper for a moment, trying to figure out what it may say. As soon as her eyes made it to the end, the couple of characters ending the letter have caught her attention completely.
- "These characters……" – thought Shizuru – "Could they be…?"
Shizuru closed her eyes for a moment and with one of her hands she traced them over the paper. Without her noticing it the gunblade began to glow lightly and so did the characters in the paper. In that instant her heart started to beat faster as a realization hit her hard. Shizuru opened her eyes widely.
- "Natsuki!! You can't be…!!" - was all she could say.
Not wasting any second she dashed out her dorm holding Duran closely to her. Leaving the dorm building behind she began to run in the direction of the main building of school, ignoring the calling and questioning looks of some people that were around. She had to find Natsuki no matter what, because if her guesses, if what she felt when tracing that letter was correct then Natsuki was……she was about to……
Shizuru was running mindlessly all around school trying to find Natsuki, she had gone to all the places they have visited that morning, but with no luck. Currently she was standing in the rooftop, looking at the sun starting to disappear in the far away horizon, she was beginning to lose all hope when all of a sudden one place came to her mind.
- "How could I forget about that one?!" – said Shizuru in her mind.
Not wasting another second Shizuru ran to that place, her heart racing even faster, and it wasn't from all the physical exercise that she was going through but due to the anxiousness of finding her beloved in the last place where she had a chance on finding her. If she wasn't there, then everything would be lost to her forever. Unconsciously she hugged Duran tighter against her chest.
Finally she was there; the tea ceremony club was in front of her, just a few meters away; even at such distance Shizuru could perceive a slight sound. (1.) As she got closer, with every step she gave she was able to identify the sound as a lullaby, she was able to recognize that anywhere. It was the lullaby that Natsuki had hummed while she was in her dorm. The only difference this time was that it was being sung instead of hummed. The voice singing such a melody was exotic, it sounded almost mystical. Shizuru made it to the front door and hurriedly she took out the master key and opened the door, with fast steps at last she made it to the stone garden in the back of the house. A knot had formed in her throat and tears formed in her eyes at the sight.
There she was; her precious angel. The raven haired girl was seated on one of the rocks, one knee up and bent so she could lay her elbow on it, the other leg falling freely to the side, her eyes closed and her head up looking at the moon that was already out in the clear sky. Natsuki was so immersed in her song that she didn't hear Shizuru coming in; it was only when she heard her name being spoken by the chestnut haired girl that she stopped.
- "Natsuki…"
Said girl opened her eyes and turned her head slightly to the side to look at the girl she loved the most. Her eyes showed a bit of surprise but right away they were filled with guilt. Shizuru approached the raven haired angel and standing in front of her she simply asked.
- "Why? Natsuki…"
Natsuki hung her head in shame and her body began to shake as tears fell from her eyes.
- "Natsuki, please tell me. Why are you here? What does that letter that you left at my dorm mean? I need to hear it from you Natsuki." – pleaded Shizuru her voice breaking, but Natsuki didn't make a noise – "Please answer me!!" – a tear rolled down as she continued – "Is it…that you don't love me anymore…?"
Not able to hear such a question with that hurt tone coming from her beloved, Natsuki said as she tried to control her sobs and keep her voice from trembling.
- "That's not the reason Shizuru. I love you more than my life, more than anything in this world and in Earl but…"
- "Then why were you doing this Natsuki? Why were you planning to leave? To disappear from my life?" – grabbing Duran with both hands she said – "When I saw Duran in the dorm and you letter I understood it yet I couldn't believe it. You were planning to leave Duran with me so I could remember you right?" – Natsuki flinched at the words – "You'd leave an important part of you with me so I wouldn't feel lonely, but why Natsuki? Why would you do that?"
Not able to continue hearing and watching Shizuru in such distraught state Natsuki said.
- "It was the only way I could think of!! It hurt me more than you can imagine but it was something that I needed to do. Simply watching you, with your people; made my heart ache because it made me remember my own people!"
Upon hearing such words, Shizuru was left confused. Noticing it Natsuki continued.
- "The way you help them and how they smile afterwards, coming to you asking for assistance and how you never deny it. They are happy having you with them. It would be…selfish of me if I ever tried to tear you apart from them because I'm the same with the people in Aries." – said Natsuki in a bitter tone – "You are important to them Shizuru, you are the one who guides them. Even if it killed me inside to leave you, it was something that I felt I needed to do; so you would be happy with everyone here."
Natsuki was surprised to feel the chestnut haired girl hugging her; she didn't perceive when she moved. Shizuru was hugging her tightly, clinging on to her as if her life depended on it; which in a certain way was how she felt right now.
- "Silly Natsuki. You don't have to do this. It will kill me if you were gone from my life, now that I've been blessed with a happiness I always longed for."
Detaching from Natsuki just a little so she could face her, Shizuru stared intensely at Natsuki's eyes.
- "But Shizuru…" – Natsuki was silenced by a finger on her lips.
- "Please let me continue Natsuki." – at such request the girl simply nodded and Shizuru went on – "It's true that my role in school is important Natsuki, but you are even more important than that. If I'm gone I'm sure they'll be sad, yes; but they'll find a replacement soon and all the infatuation and admiration for me will disappear quickly. Also as I've told you before, they only admire me for my looks and my name. I have no family and I have no real friends other than Haruka. Compared to your position mine is very small and almost imperceptible outside this school. Now that you've heard me out Natsuki, do still think that I would be happier here in this world without you?"
Natsuki, not able to contain her emotions any longer, leaned forward and embraced Shizuru in a fierce hug. Shizuru simply enjoyed the hug, taking it as an apology from Natsuki, so she hugged Natsuki back and stroked her raven hair.
Minutes passed and after Natsuki let go, Shizuru kissed the angel softly on her lips. Natsuki soon reciprocated the show of affection, their lips moving in sync. Time went by slowly and it wasn't until they needed to breathe again that they got apart. Natsuki smiled whole-heartedly at Shizuru, conveying her emotions and an apology in that smile. Shizuru did the same.
Just then it was something that Shizuru had said before that clicked inside Natsuki. She said that 'her position' was more important than Shizuru's. Then that meant that Shizuru already knew who she was.
- "Shizuru, since when did you know that I…" – trailed off the raven haired girl.
- "That you are the ruler of your country? The King, or should I say: Queen of Aries?" – Natsuki nodded – "I figured as much since Yamada-san helped us, but I just wanted to confirm my suspicions on it; I see it's true."
- "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it from you. But to tell you the truth I'm still not used to being called Ojou-sama. However by being called that makes me remember the responsibilities I have with the persons that look upon me; especially my sister."
- "Now that I've heard your reasons I understand why you were feeling this way Natsuki. You want to go back to Earl, to Aries; so you can restore your kingdom. Am I correct?"
- "Yes, there's still much to do and much I left behind. But I don't think I can do it alone."
- "Well, that can be solved. I might not be of much help in the beginning since I don't know the customs of Aries but I'm a quick learner."
- "Thank you for everything Shizuru. I was about to make the worst error in my life."
- "There's nothing to thank me for Natsuki. If I had not done this, then I'd have also made the worst mistake; to let my dream end."
It was in that moment that Shizuru realized what Haruka's words meant; to continue fighting to keep her dream alive. Natsuki was her dream and there was no way she would let it end that easily.
After that Shizuru kissed Natsuki again, this time more passionately. Natsuki kissed Shizuru back with equal passion. As both girls closed her eyes, the clouds that were covering the moon moved aside, letting its silver rays fall on the couple standing in the stone garden. Upon being touched by the sparkling rays of silver light, Duran began to glow again with a very light hue of blue. Right away, a pillar of light was formed and covered both girls in unison. It didn't even last a minute before it was gone, along with the girls engulfed by it.
TBC….
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Another chapter done! Thanks so much for your support. It means a lot to me and to leebot-sensei.
Now as I said in the notes above there's another important notice I want to inform you. It's about the 'Shezaie-neko's fanart contest'. Basically it is a contest where you have to draw any scene you want from ANY of MY fanfics. More details will posted in my profile and in my LJ. Of course since it's a contest there are prizes. Don't forget to check the details.
That would be all for now.
Thanks for reading!!
See you around!
Shezaei neko