A/N: Hello there everyone! You sure are lucky! It didn't take me that long this time to finish this chapter and to update. As always I thank you for your support and your kind reviews. I truly appreciate it.
I hope that you'll enjoy this chapter, some important stuff it's revealed here. Also this chapter was mostly inspired by Escaflowne. If you've seen Escaflowne the series and the movie you will notice that I used some names and terms from it.
And as always I thank leebot-sensei for being my great beta and for helping me with this fic!
By the way, remember to check my profile for the details for the Fanart contest I'm making!
Enjoy the fic! Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: Everything is property of their respective authors, mostly Sunrise.
Into the Another World - Chapter 7
The vast lands of Earl were covered in the morning light; it was true when people said that the landscapes of this territory were as beautiful as the ones near Aries. A certain girl was so lost in her dreams that she was totally oblivious to such wonders. Stirring in her slumber, she finally got to open her eyes, feeling a bit confused and disoriented. Getting into a sitting position she let her head rest on her hand. The first thought that came to her mind was.
- "Where am I?"
The brunette looked up and began to analyze her surroundings. She was sitting in a bed and inside a small room that had a desk and a chair in one of the corners, a bookshelf standing next to it, and some other pieces of furniture decorating the place. It was simple and cozy.
Considering the looks of the room, she imagined she was now back in Earl, but anything could happen in this wonderful yet mysterious world. Getting off of the bed, she walked to the window with slow and graceful steps, that deep within had a bit of insecurity. Opening it slowly she looked outside only to be marveled at the beautiful scenery presented before her eyes. So engrossed and captivated was she in the magnificence of such a view that she didn't hear the door being opened and someone coming inside. It wasn't until she heard a voice right behind her that she was snapped out of her trance.
- "We are in the Daedalus plains. You should be able to see the Chatal Mountains in the distance."
That voice! There could be no mistake; she was able to recognize that husky and deep voice anywhere. She turned her body completely, now facing the owner of that voice, which happened to also be the owner of her heart.
- "Natsuki." – said the brunette in a loving tone.
Shizuru got closer to her angel and wrapped her arms around the frame of her beloved and rested her head on Natsuki's shoulder. Natsuki also encircled the body in front of her with her arms, returning the affectionate gesture and placing her head over the brunette's. Shizuru inhaled Natsuki's scent, as a way to confirm that indeed she was real. So as to confirm that this was real, that she was back with the person she wanted to be, she asked.
- "We are back in Earl, aren't we?"
- "Yes, we are."
Before Natsuki knew it Shizuru had gotten a little bit apart so she could stare at her mesmerizing green orbs. Stepping closer, so their faces were now inches apart, Shizuru finally closed the distance and slowly placed her lips over her angel's. The kiss was so full of emotions and passionate that Natsuki's legs started to buck and she thought she would collapse at such tenderness and passion. She couldn't help but blush at the contact. After some minutes that passed leisurely, they got apart. Shizuru too had a blush adorning her features, it wasn't as deep as Natsuki's but nonetheless, it was a strange sight.
Now, after confirming that her angel was right there with here, and that she was back in her lover's world, she wanted to know more details about it. That's why she asked.
- "Natsuki, how long has it been since we arrived? For how long was I asleep?"
- "It has not been long, less than two blue moons I believe."
- "Why didn't Natsuki wake me up?"
- "I wanted you to rest. You worried me to death when we arrived here."
- "What happened?" – asked Shizuru – "I don't remember much about it."
- "Well, right after we set foot here on Earl you just stared at me while smiling and saying my name, but then all of a sudden you collapsed right in front of me, totally unconscious. I was fast enough to catch you but I was very worried that something may have happened to you." – replied Natsuki with concern evident in her voice.
- "I'm truly sorry for worrying you Natsuki, but as you can see, I'm better now." – said Shizuru cupping Natsuki's cheek with her hand.
- "Fortunately we were allowed to stay here."
- "Which reminds me, where are we right now? What's this place?"
- "You are in the moving fortress of the Abaharaki." – said a voice coming from the door.
Shizuru immediately removed her hand from Natsuki's face and turned her gaze to see the person standing by the door. It was a middle-aged woman; she had green eyes that were a bit darker than Natsuki's, her hair was somewhat orange-ish, tied up behind her head, and her face was adorned with a friendly smile. The woman spoke again to introduce herself this time.
- "I'm Midori and I'm the leader of the Abaharaki. It's a pleasure."
- "My name is Shizuru Fujino. The pleasure is also mine."
The woman named Midori smiled at the brunette, then turning her eyes to Natsuki she said.
- "Maybe you should take her down so she can breathe some fresh air and eat something, your highness. Surely Ers-chan has made something already."
- "Thanks for your help, and I apologize for the trouble." – said Natsuki bowing her head slightly at Midori.
- "It's nothing really." – replied Midori with a dismissing movement of her hand. – "Now then, I'll leave the two of you to check on other matters."
With that said, the woman left the two young girls alone. Shizuru stared at the door for a moment when suddenly something that that woman had said registered in her mind.
- "Natsuki, she called you 'your highness'; does that mean that she's from Aries?"
- "No Shizuru, Midori is not from Aries. She's from the Black Valley, a land far from here."
- "If that's the case, why did she call you that way?"
- "Well, I had to introduce myself that way to them, so they would assist us. It was when we arrived here at Earl some moons ago."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x FLASHBACK x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The moon was even more splendid that night than any other night, maybe it was the influence of the Guiding Star next to it that was making it shine more than ever. Or so thought a woman guiding a caravan through the woods of Earl at that moment. She was so fascinated with such a view that at the moment a pillar of light appeared not to far away in the distance she was startled.
- "What in the Shinso's sake is that?" – thought the woman.
However as soon as it had appeared it was gone. Being the kind of person she was, she couldn't let such a phenomenon pass as if it was nothing. Calling some of her comrades, she made a small research group, and headed towards the place where the pillar of light had faded. After some minutes of walking they made it more into the forest. It was pretty dark, and it was a bit dangerous with all the night creatures lingering around. Just when the leader of the group thought they wouldn't find anything, one of her followers called her.
- "Commander! I see a light of some sort."
- "Where?"
- "That way." – said the girl pointing in the direction of it.
The commander directed her gaze to the place and indeed she saw it, a small flicker of a light.
- "Looks like a torch or something."
- "Could it be that maybe someone else saw that light and is investigating it?" – said a woman with brown hair and blue eyes.
- "If that's the case, we better hurry and take it first." – turning her head to look at her comrades she said – "I'll go ahead with her, the rest of you stay here in case we need backup." – said the leader referring to the brown-haired woman.
- "Roger!"
With that, the two women began to walk with stealthy steps to the source of the light, weapons ready in case a fight were to take place. As they were approaching, they made sure to hide behind some bushes, and were able to see two figures that looked like a couple of girls. One of them was on the ground, leaning against a tree fast asleep; while the other was standing in front of the first girl, her back turned to them. Then out of the blue, a stone passed near the head of the woman with blue eyes, and then another near the one of the woman with orange-ish hair.
- "You better come out from your hiding place. Because I assure you that I won't be missing the next time." – said the girl that was standing.
Both women couldn't believe it, they'd been sure to make no noise and to hide their presence but this girl could spot them right away, certainly she was no common girl. Coming out from their hiding spot, they walked towards the raven haired girl, their hands slightly up showing no threat and surrender.
The raven haired girl turned around to face the intruders. She didn't let her guard down; at least she wouldn't do that until these women introduced themselves.
- "Sorry for startling you." – said the woman with green eyes. – "We are no threat."
- "What are you doing here?" – asked Natsuki.
- "I should be the one asking you that; being in the middle of the woods at night with an unconscious girl no less." – she said looking for a moment at the sleeping figure.
- "That's none of your business. And you are someone to talk; to be out at this time of the night in a place like this; suspicious indeed. Who are you anyway?"
- "Ah! Were are my manners? My name is Midori; and I'm the leader of the Abaharaki."
- "The Abaharaki?" – said Natsuki astonished.
- "By the look in your eyes, it seems that you know us."
- "I'm Youko, and I'm part also of the Abaharaki." – interrupted the woman with brown hair and blue eyes. – "I apologize for our actions, but we were just looking for something that seems to have appeared in this area."
- "Did you see anything? It was a strange pillar of light." – said Midori.
Natsuki kept her face from showing any kind of emotion that may give out any suspicion to these women, since indeed she had seen the light – in fact, she had come out of it along with Shizuru. But she certainly wouldn't be disclosing that information to these women.
- "Sorry, I didn't see anything. I was busy taking care of my companion here."
- "I see, so we shall leave you then." – said Midori.
Natsuki saw that the women were turning around to leave. In that moment she looked back at Shizuru, who was still unconscious, and soon worry and fear filled all her being. What if Shizuru was badly injured? What if her condition was worse than she imagined? What if her life was in danger? That did it. Natsuki realized that she wouldn't be able to assist Shizuru as she would like to; she didn't have any kind of medicine or equipment to attend her injuries if they were bad. She couldn't risk losing Shizuru in a place like this and just for a careless moment of pride. Before the women could take a step, Natsuki spoke.
- "Wait."
This simple plea made the women stop and turn around to face the raven-haired girl.
- "Yes?"
- "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I was just trying to protect this girl."
- "Don't worry about that, no damage done." – replied Midori with a smile.
- "Let me introduce myself. I'm Natsuki Kuga, current Sovereign of the Kingdom of Aries." – said Natsuki taking out her gunblade, stretching it out and showing the hilt to the other women so they could see the mark of Aries carved on it. The Imperial crest of the country, one that only royalty used to identify themselves.
This was enough proof so the women would believe what she was saying. And it worked, since their faces showed astonishment at her words. In an instant both women had bowed their heads in a courteous manner, showing respect towards the girl in front of them.
- "Please forgive our impolite comportment towards you, your highness." – said Youko.
- "Do not concern yourself with that. It was all just a misunderstanding." – said Natsuki – "On the other hand, I have a favor to ask you."
- "What is it?"
- "I kindly request you assistance to assist this girl over here. I'd like you to check on her and tell me if her condition is fine and overall, if her life is not at risk."
- "Surely your Highness Kuga. We'll take her and you to our caravan; we have everything there to fulfill such a request."
- "Thank you." – said Natsuki walking to Shizuru to then kneel beside her and take her into her arms, carrying her bridal style. Turning to see the women she said – "Also, I have another thing to add."
- "Yes your highness?"
- "It is not necessary for you to call me that. Just Natsuki is fine. I'm still not used being called that." – said the girl with her cheeks showing a light hue of pink that was almost imperceptible. Also the tone of her voice exposed the fact that she was a bit embarrassed. – "Besides, you are the Abaharaki. I should be showing the same kind of respect for you."
- "I'm flattered at such words, but really. It's not that important." – replied Midori.
- "I have to disagree with that."
- "Well then, I'm happy to know that her highness thinks so highly of us."
- "What did I tell you about calling me that?" – said Natsuki in an angry tone.
- "Don't mind her Natsuki-san. She's doing it just to tease." – said Youko with a smile.
Natsuki gave the older woman her icy glare, working effectively to shut off her future comments.
So in the middle of the night they walked back to the caravan of the Abaharaki. In there they were given a room and, just as Natsuki requested, Shizuru was checked out; relief filling her as soon as she was told that the girl was fine, the only thing that she needed was a good rest.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- END OF FLASHBACK -x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
- "And that's what happened. You were sleeping all the time since then" – said Natsuki.
- "I see. Sorry for giving you so much trouble Natsuki. I know how you dislike using your status to get assistance since you prefer to do things on your own." – apologized Shizuru cupping Natsuki's cheek.
- "Don't worry about it. It was necessary; your safety was my high priority."
- "Also now I see why Midori-san called you that before. I think I must let her know that teasing Natsuki is my sole privilege."
- "I simply ignore her when she calls me that; also she only does that when we are with the group. I asked her not to call me that in front of other people."
- "Nonetheless, I will let her know." – said Shizuru with a mischievous smile.
- "As you wish." – replied Natsuki with a chuckle.
- "By the way Natsuki…" – trailed off Shizuru.
- "Yes?
- "Why is it that the Abaharaki are so important? I'd like to know so I won't embarrass myself when I meet the rest of them."
- "Well, the Abaharaki is a group formed from the survivors of different villages and cities of various nations that were attacked by the Artai Empire. Midori gathered all of them and started a resistance to stand against the Artai army."
- "That's impressive."
- "Yes, and that's not all. It is said that some of the best fighters and soldiers are part of it. Each one of them is highly skilled."
- "Now I see why Natsuki respects them a lot."
- "All I know about them is from what I heard on the battlefield. The war was being held in many places, so while I was fighting in one front, they were in another. That's why it wasn't until now that we met. They did a great service in protecting Earl."
- "Just as you did." – said Shizuru kissing Natsuki briefly on the lips.
- "It was my duty. I have to protect what is important to me."
- "Am I important to Natsuki too?" – asked Shizuru. Her face mere inches apart from Natsuki's.
- "I thought you already knew that."
- "I want Natsuki to tell me." – said Shizuru brushing her lips slightly over Natsuki's.
- "You are not just important Shizuru, you are my life. I'm complete only when I'm with you, you are my everything. You are my dearest angel."
- "Now I want Natsuki to show me." – said Shizuru in a seductive and husky tone.
Not wasting a second and unable to resist such temptation, Natsuki covered Shizuru's lips with her own in a possessive and deep kiss. Her hands immediately going to Shizuru's waist just as Shizuru's hands went to Natsuki's shoulders. Their breathing became more labored as hands started to wander around other places. Shizuru was busy removing Natsuki's trenchcoat, unbuttoning it slowly. When all the buttons were undone, she removed it and began to caress Natsuki's back. Natsuki buried her head in Shizuru's neck at such ministrations, it was as if Shizuru's hands were putting her under some kind of spell; she could feel the heat in her body increase with each second that passed, with every inch that those hands traveled over her body. She was so enthralled in the sensation that she almost missed Shizuru's next words.
- "Natsuki, I love your wings. Please, show them to me." – whispered Shizuru next to Natsuki's ear.
These words made Natsuki snap her eyes open and get a bit apart from Shizuru, so she could look at her in the eye.
- "What…what did you say?"
- "I want to see your wings Natsuki. I love how you look with them." – said Shizuru in a loving tone.
- "I…I'm sorry, but…" – stuttered Natsuki with a blush covering her face.
- "But what Natsuki?"
- "Sorry Shizuru, but I can't show you my wings while we are here, even if there's only the two of us here. Someone may come in and see them."
- "And how can that be a problem? Is it an uncommon sight?"
- "Ehm…well…yeah."
Shizuru was taken aback by such an answer. What was Natsuki saying? Wings were an uncommon sight in Earl? She had seen many strange creatures, devices, and other things in Earl that were very uncommon to her. So when she saw Natsuki for the first time with her pure white wings surely she was impressed, but also after some thinking she came to the conclusion that in this world that had to be something normal. But after hearing what Natsuki said about her wings it made her realize something. Could it be that contrary to what she had thought, not many people in Earl had wings so she would need to hide them like that? To keep them a secret? Shizuru felt the urge to know more about this so she asked the only person who could provide her with the answer.
- "Natsuki, how is it that people with wings in Earl are unusual?"
- "I wouldn't say unusual, it's more like they are non-existent."
- "What?..." – whispered Shizuru completely startled. – "Non-existent…then Natsuki, you…"
Natsuki knew that this might take some time to explain so taking Shizuru's hand she guided her to the bed and sat on it, Shizuru sitting next to her. Natsuki kept her hold on Shizuru's hand, her eyes gazing at the floor, as if trying to find the best way to tell Shizuru the most important thing she would have told her so far: her past.
Shizuru saw how Natsuki's gaze was unsure and also seemed a little bit distant, she squeezed Natsuki's hand and with her other hand she cupped her angel's cheek so Natsuki would look at her. Pouring all her love and feelings into her voice and eyes she said.
- "I'm right here for you Natsuki, you know you can tell me."
After that, she got close and gave Natsuki a quick peck on the lips to encourage her to tell what she was about to let Shizuru know.
Natsuki smiled a sweet yet bitter smile at Shizuru. This would be complicated, but she wanted Shizuru to know more about her, more so since she had dragged her back to this world, although it had been Shizuru's wish too to be with her.
With that thought in mind, Natsuki began to speak.
- "The reason I have to keep my wings a secret is because I made a promise to my mother when I was little. She asked me that in order to protect me and my sister."
- "To protect you?"
- "Yes. As I said previously, people with wings are non-existent in Earl; at least not anymore."
- "And why is that?"
- "You see, it all began several centuries, if not millennia ago. Remember I once told you about Garderobe?"
- "Yes, I remember you mentioned it briefly."
- "Well, Garderobe is an Ancient land that was very proficient in science, especially in creating technology and weaponry. Their knowledge was so great that somehow they evolved, gaining their wings. The inhabitants of Garderobe were mostly women, and they were called Otome."
- "Otome…"
- "Unfortunately, a strange phenomenon occurred in Garderobe that destroyed it completely, and the few Otome that survived scattered all over Earl. Soon their story became a legend and their heritage remained in the darkness and unknown for a long time. However, even being old news, the legends of what occurred in Garderobe were spread all over the world, giving the Otome the title of cursed beings, labeling them as harbingers of a bad omen, or simply calling them demons. That's why any descendant of an Otome that was exposed was killed." – Natsuki paused and saw the shock in Shizuru's face – "Oddly enough, fortune was on my mother's side. She once said that in a dream the Guiding Star advised her to wait for an important man in a specific time and place and that would be her salvation. Mother did what she was told and it happened; she met my father: Goau Kuga, former King of Aries."
- "The king, I mean your father, saved her?" – asked Shizuru.
- "Yes. My father was with one of his more loyal knights, Balgus, when he met my mother, Saeko. My mother was near the shore of a lake on the night of a full moon, singing an ancient lullaby from Garderobe. My father saw her the moment when my mother was stretching out her wings. My father and Balgus immediately identified her as an Otome. Balgus was ready to attack and slay my mother but my father stopped him; he was completely captivated by her beauty. Soon, my mother became Saeko Kuga, Queen of Aries, much to the counselors' dismay, who were always trying to persuade my father that such a marriage would bring trouble and misery to Aries. Of course my father would never hear of it and forbade any kind of bad talk about her, specifically the fact that she was an Otome. He declared it as a royal secret that was to be kept within the kingdom."
- "That was very chivalrous of your father."
- "That was his way; he loved my mother after all." – said Natsuki with a bittersweet smile – "Not many years passed when my mother gave birth to their first child, the first princess of Aries."
- "Was that you?" – asked Shizuru in a tender tone.
- "Yes, that was me. The one and only Natsuki Kuga." – replied Natsuki with a smile, then continued – "More years passed by and my mother had another child, the second princess of Aries, my sister Alyssa. Sadly, my sister didn't have the chance to be with father as much as I had."
- "What happened?"
- "Father got badly ill. Even with all the knowledge mother had, she couldn't do anything to save him. Balgus, my father's most loyal knight and friend had been out of Aries for several years; before my father died he came back to the country and promised him that he would look after his precious family. Not too long after that, father died. My mother was completely devastated but with Balgus's support, along with other members of the council that had come to accept her, she was able to continue the reign of my father and provide Aries with a prosperous era."
- "By that you mean, that thanks to your mother's knowledge and influence of her Garderobe origins, she changed Aries for the better?"
- "That's correct. Some people were against it in the beginning, but they saw that everything mother was providing them with was for their benefit. That's mostly why our clothes are different from the other countries. Well, that wasn't mother's doing at all, but she didn't complain about it." – said Natsuki smiling at the memory of her mother, though her face soon became solemn – "Despite working hard for the kingdom and always showing me and my sister a smiling face, mother missed father greatly. So she too became ill due to that sadness and passed away several years ago."
- "Natsuki…" – whispered Shizuru squeezing Natsuki's hand.
- "After that Balgus took complete care of me and Miyu took care of Alyssa. Balgus taught me all he knew and guided me so I would become the King one day."
- "You speak so highly of Balgus-san."
- "Well, after father died, he became like a second father to me. And after mother's death, he was sure to remind me of my duty and to continue my parents' legacy."
- "Is Balgus-san waiting for you back in Aries?"
- "No, he is not. He died protecting me and everyone during the surprise attack we had on the day of the pre-coronation ritual." – replied Natsuki.
- "Natsuki, I'm sorry, I…"
- "You don't have to apologize for anything Shizuru. It's not your fault."
Silence surrounded them as Shizuru tried to assimilate all of what Natsuki had told her. Surely, her angel had had a rough past, coping with her parents death at a young age, just like Shizuru. Then it was the responsibility of ruling a kingdom falling on her shoulders, a heavy burden for such a young girl.
- "Natsuki."
- "Yes?"
- "You said that you promised your mother to never show you wings. Was it because of what you told me? That Otome are branded as cursed beings?"
- "Well, yes, that's part of it. Father did everything within his hands to protect that secret of Mother's. So, of course mother wanted to protect us that way too. But then I was also foolish at one time when I was little."
- "What did you do, that you'd call yourself that?"
- "I was on one of the roofs at the top of the castle playing around and trying to escape from the maids. One of them was scolding me for running away from my lessons but I was busy with other things. Said things being my wings, which recently I discovered I possessed. I wanted to show them off, that's why I went to the roof and stretched them out. I wanted so badly to fly, so…"
- "You tried to use them?"
- "Yes, that's why I jumped off the roof." – Natsuki chuckled at the memory – "But I failed miserably. I couldn't fly; I simply began to fall directly to the ground. I remember I was screaming and crying. Luckily mother was informed of it and she ran out the castle and stretching out her own wings, she flied to me and caught me in her arms. That was the only time I saw mother with her wings out. She told me that my wings were not strong enough to use them yet; it was at that time when she made me promise her that I wouldn't use them and show them to anyone."
- "I understand now." – said Shizuru in a kind tone – "Sorry Natsuki, for requesting that of you before. It was very selfish of me."
- "It's okay Shizuru. I mean, when we are completely alone I don't mind showing them to you but I don't want the others to know."
- "Does everyone in Aries know it?"
- "If they know they keep it a secret. Not many people saw my incident that time, so I doubt everyone knows about it. And since neither I or Alyssa have shown our wings in public otherwise, I'm not sure. Also I suppose most of the villagers believe that we didn't inherit mother's Otome wings."
- "Then Natsuki, you and your sister are the only Otome left in Earl?"
- "As far as I know, yes. There's only the two of us."
- "I still can't believe that Otome were hunted down just because of what happened to their land; to think of you as demons…" – said Shizuru caressing Natsuki's hand – "when you are guardian angels."
- "It's not a big deal now. I mean, I was raised as a normal human, so I don't feel like I'm of a different race or anything. As long as I have my family and beloved one by my side, I'm fine." – said Natsuki kissing Shizuru's hands.
When Natsuki let go off of Shizuru's hands, Shizuru took the chance and embraced the raven-haired girl, a fierce and warm hug; her head resting on Natsuki's chest, just above her heart. She could hear Natsuki's heart beating fast and loud, a sound that she'd come to love, a melody that captivated her more than any other melody in this or other world. Natsuki was surprised a bit by Shizuru's sudden display.
- "Shizuru…" – whispered Natsuki.
- "Thank you Natsuki."
- "Eh?"
- "Thank you for sharing with me something this important, I'm very grateful. I know how hard it is for you to talk about it, yet you trusted me and shared a part of you with me. I really appreciate it. Thanks Natsuki." – said Shizuru.
- "You are welcome. If we are going to be together, then we must have trust in each other."
Shizuru was taken aback by Natsuki's words. What did she mean by that? Could it be that she was proposing to her indirectly? Shizuru's mind was being plagued with tons of questions; unfortunately Natsuki was oblivious to this fact and simply said.
- "I think it's time to go down and get you something to eat. You just woke up and need to recover your energy and strength. Let's go."
Natsuki got up from the bed, taking Shizuru with her by her hand. Shizuru shook off the questions that had been formed in her mind; she didn't want to jump to conclusions that may be incorrect.
Both girls left the room and headed to the kitchen. There Shizuru saw a blonde girl standing, her back towards them. The girl turned around when she heard someone coming in. Seeing who it was, the girl promptly greeted her.
- "Hello Natsuki-sama."
- "Erstin…" – said Natsuki in a cold tone that startled the girl.
- "Yes?"
- "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that, just Natsuki is fine." – replied Natsuki with a sigh escaping her lips.
- "I'm sorry Natsuki-sama…but I feel awkward if I call you only that. After all you are…" – said Erstin, a blush forming in her face.
- "I know, I know. But really, I feel even more awkward than you, but if you can't help it, then I guess there's not much I can do about it." – said Natsuki scratching the back of her head.
- "I'm very sorry."
- "Anyways…Erstin, I was wondering if you have something to eat."
- "Sure, I just finished preparing supper. Why do you ask?"
- "Well, Midori told me we could come so she could eat since she just woke up." – said Natsuki pointing at Shizuru.
Shizuru beamed her charming smile at the blonde girl and said.
- "Sorry for the trouble." – Shizuru bowed her head.
Erstin was completely flabbergasted at the sight of the girl; her beauty was comparable to that of a goddess. Sure she had seen pretty girls, the Abaharaki had quite a number of them, but this girl was something special, she was sure of it. Nevertheless her heart was already owned by someone else. But that didn't stop her from recognizing beauty when she came across it.
- "Ah! It's nothing really!" – replied Erstin completely flustered.
- "Let me introduce myself, I'm Shizuru."
- "I'm Erstin. Pleased to meet you Shizuru-sama."
- "Why are you addressing me in that respectful way?" – asked Shizuru, concerned.
- "Midori informed us that you were Natsuki-sama's 'companion', so I assumed…"
In less than a second Natsuki's face was completely red, and Shizuru's cheeks had a slight hue of pink and red. Glancing to her side, she saw how Natsuki had turned her head to hide her blush. Letting out a soft giggle Shizuru replied.
- "Indeed you could say that in a way I am; still it's not necessary to call me that."
- "But I'm already used to it, and once I do it, it's kind of hard to break the habit." – said Erstin.
- "Then it's fine with me."
- "Now, give me just a minute. I'll give you something to eat. Please, take a seat; you too Natsuki-sama."
Erstin turned around and began to serve Natsuki and Shizuru some food. In that moment footsteps could be heard and were coming closer. Soon, a group of three girls were standing by the door, staring intently at the raven-haired girl and at the brunette.
Natsuki simply acknowledged the group with a nod of her head. Shizuru on the other hand simply smiled her polite smile at them.
- "Oh! The sleeping princess has awakened from her deep slumber." – said a woman with short dark hair and brown eyes. Coming closer to Shizuru she took her hand and kissed it – "It's a delight meeting you and seeing that you are joining us today."
Natsuki's eye twitched in annoyance, this woman was a total flirt, it didn't matter who she was talking to, after all, she had experienced such thing too when they met the Abaharaki. The woman let go off Shizuru's hand and said.
- "I'm Chie Hallard."
- "I'm Shizuru, pleased to meet you."
- "I do hope you mean that, because the feeling would be mutual then."
- "Hallard…" – said Natsuki in a warning tone.
- "My… Natsuki-san, no need to be that jealous; it was an extraordinary moment meeting you too and you know it. Have I not confessed to you right there?"
- "Ara, this is quite a revelation." – said Shizuru. Even if her tone sounded playful, behind it was filled with wrath.
How dare this woman flirt with Natsuki while she was unconscious? The nerve of this woman! to even do it with her being present. More so when she was introduced as Natsuki's companion, well, she was unconscious at that time but still, this woman had no shame at all.
- "Stop it Hallard." – said a girl around their age with red hair and green eyes. Coming closer to Shizuru she said – "Just ignore her. By the way, I'm Nao Zhang."
- "Also known as Juliette." – said Chie.
- "You are the only one who calls me that and only the deities know how you came up with it!" – replied the redhead in an angry tone.
- "You should be honored to receive such a cute pet name from me, Juliette." – said Chie with a grin.
- "Bah! As if I would!"
Both girls continued arguing as the third one that had been there all this time got near Shizuru and in a serious yet kind tone, she said.
- "My name is Nina Wang. Nice to meet you, Shizuru-sama." – said the girl with black hair, very similar to Natsuki's, and mahogany eyes.
- "Ara, I'm starting to feel flattered."
- "Ah! Nina-chan, please take a seat. I'll serve you right away." – said Erstin with a smile.
- "Thanks Ers."
Nina took a seat just as Erstin told her; she sat across Natsuki and Shizuru. In the meantime Chie and Nao were still arguing in the back, only stopping when another woman came into view and said.
- "Chie-san, I'd suggest you to stop using your charms with the girls or I'm afraid Aoi-san will stop talking to you for several 'Miets', again." – said a woman with light brown hair and lavender eyes. – "Also, both of you are not giving a very good impression to our remarkable guests." – said the woman turning her gaze to Natsuki and Shizuru, who was looking curiously at her.
- "But she knows I'm just playing around." – replied Chie.
- "Well, then say that to her." – said the woman pointing behind her.
Chie looked at the direction and saw her beloved, Aoi. Said girl had brown hair and blue eyes; and right now her face was completely red due to anger, her hands were on her hips and she was tapping her foot. Nao only snickered and left Chie alone with Aoi and went to take her place at the table, since she was sure that Chie was in for quite a punishment.
- "Chie Hallard!" – yelled the girl.
- "Aoi! Sweety! Glad to know that you could join us!"
- "Sorry to disappoint you dear Chie but you will not be joining them this time. You will be helping me with the repairs, now."
- "Aoi, please, is this for flirting with them? You know that all I do is only for entertainment, my heart belongs only to you!" – proclaimed Chie passionately.
- "Even if that is true, that won't save you from work." – replied Aoi. – "Now let's go, we have to finish it today or Midori-san will get angry at us."
- "Will I get a reward for it?"
- "Depends…" – said Aoi nonchalantly.
- "Oh, that sounds promising." – said Chie before leaving with Aoi.
After the two girls left, the woman that had appeared along with Aoi took a seat in front of Shizuru and said.
- "Sorry that you had to witness such conduct from them. Hopefully you didn't get a bad impression from us thanks to it."
- "Its fine, but I must say that I found it rather amusing."
- "I'm glad to hear that." – replied the woman – "By the way, I am Ahn Lu. Nice to meet you."
- "Nice to meet you too Lu-san."
- "Please, call me Ahn, Shizuru-san."
- "Alright."
- "So, how are you feeling?"
- "I'm better, thanks for asking. And also thanks for assisting us."
- "I'm not the one who you should thank, but our leader. Also Natsuki-san here is the one who took complete care of you while you were asleep. You're quite lucky to have someone like her that is so devoted to you." – said Ahn with a smile.
- "Ara…" – replied Shizuru with a slight blush adorning her features.
Giving a quick glance to her side, she saw once more another cute blush forming in Natsuki's face. Shizuru simply nodded and continued eating her food. Soon, everyone sitting at the table had been served supper, so Erstin took a seat beside Nina. Everyone was eating, and Shizuru could feel a peaceful and warm atmosphere at that moment. That's when she realized that everyone there must have been together for a while now so they considered themselves a family. Shizuru liked the feeling; it had been a long time since she last felt it. It was thanks to Natsuki that she was able to experience these kinds of emotions again; and was completely sure that she would be experiencing them more frequently with Natsuki by her side.
- "Shizuru, are you okay?" – asked Natsuki with a slight concern in her voice.
Shizuru turned her head to look at Natsuki, seeing her eyes filled with worry.
- "I'm fine, why would you ask?"
- "You haven't touched your food in the past few 'miets', are you not feeling well?"
Shizuru didn't realize that she had stopped eating; this of course would unease her beloved angel that was always looking after her. Smiling tenderly at her she replied.
- "I'm sorry for worrying you Natsuki, it looks like I spaced out while thinking about something." – said Shizuru taking one of Natsuki's hands underneath the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze. – "I'm fine, really."
At the contact Natsuki simply smiled at Shizuru, her smile showing that she was now more tranquil.
- "My…" – said Ahn.
- "What is it Ahn?" – asked Nao, who had heard her.
- "That indeed was a strange sight."
- "Uh?"
- "Nothing Nao…"
Erstin had also seen the small interaction between the girls and had been intrigued by it since they were taken in by the caravan. She could see the love and care in Natsuki's eyes whenever Erstin went into their room to change the water that Natsuki used to freshen up Shizuru when she was unconscious. She wondered if Nina saw her in that way too. There were so many questions that she wanted to ask them but Midori had told them to not bother them and get all nosy in their private matters.
In that moment, said leader came into view along with the doctor's caravan.
- "Ah! What a pleasant surprise to see that almost all of you are here." – said Midori – "Erstin, can I have some too please?"
- "Of course leader!" – said Erstin standing up from her spot and going to serve Midori her ration.
- "Ahn, is Chie helping Aoi with the repairs?"
- "Yes, they are working at this moment on it."
- "Excellent." – said Midori taking a seat beside Shizuru to then greet her – "Hey girl, good to see you joining us today. I hope you are having a good time."
- "Yes, I am." – said Shizuru and then bowing her head slightly she continued – "I thank you for your hospitality and for your kindness."
- "There's nothing to thank me for. That's the reason why we are here! To assist those in need and trouble; plus, I did nothing. The one that really watched over you was her." – said Midori pointing to Youko who was seated by her side.
- "Just as Midori said, it was nothing; there is no need to thank me." – said Youko before Shizuru could say a thing. – "Oh, and I'm Youko Helene."
Erstin had served them their food and took her seat again continuing eating her supper. Midori started eating as Youko and Shizuru chatted for a little about her condition; Youko told Shizuru to inform her of any symptoms she may have so she could check back with her and make sure that everything was fine. Some minutes passed and a comfortable silence was formed, to then be interrupted when Midori asked.
- "So Shizuru…would you mind telling us what kind of 'companion' you are to her highness?"
Natsuki almost choked on her food, and she wasn't the only one; Nao suffered the same, Ahn was just smiling, Erstin was blushing profusely just like Nina, and Youko was just sighing at their leader's antiques. Shizuru just smiled a playful smile and said.
- "Well, is there any other definition of companion that I am not aware of? I'm just as it is; a companion." – answered Shizuru as vague as possible.
- "Clever girl!" – replied Midori cheerfully – "And I thought that it would be easier to get some information from you than from her highness! I think I was mistaken!"
Erstin was speechless, her leader first prohibits them to ask and then she's the first one to do it. Well, it really shouldn't surprise her; that was the leader's way to be. But now thanks to it, she got an idea of what kind of relationship the couple had.
- "Considering Natsuki-sama's reaction, it must be something important." – thought Erstin.
And how right she was, even if everyone didn't voice out their thoughts, they all already had at least a vague idea of Shizuru's role in Natsuki's life. Erstin found it quite romantic, and what she didn't know is that most of the Abaharaki thought the same.
Dinner went through with some casual chit-chat; after all, even if Natsuki was opening up a bit to the group, there were some aspects that she couldn't and most likely wouldn't reveal to them. Fortunately Shizuru thought the same way, so they kept the conversation as polite as possible but tried to enjoy it and get to know more about the group that had assisted in protecting Earl during the war.
Dinner went by, as did the moons Natsuki and Shizuru spent with the Abaharaki, who had insisted on escorting them back to Aries. After all, they'd done that previously with the Queen of Windbloom, who had requested their services, so they were used to it.
What no one knew at that moment was that a hazard from the past was waiting for them, and it would be the most complicated and dangerous challenge they would have to confront, so life-threatening that not even heavens would be able to foretell the end of it.
TBC…
Hope you liked it!
On a side note, I'll post some fanarts that were done by a dear friend of mine in my profile; be sure to check them so you'll see how Natsuki and Shizuru look like in this fic. Are based on the clothes they wore in chapter 2 and 3. Also I'm already working in the next chapter of this fic and another one you'd been waiting for. Just I beg of you, be patient.
That would be all this time.
Thanks for reading!
See you around!
Shezaei neko