Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-HiME nor do I own The Lord of the Flies.

A/N: It's been kind of long since I've updated, but let me explain. I've been getting weeks and weeks of assignments and tests. I'm not free yet, but I've decided to use my spare time working on this story. I'm sorry for those who have been looking forward to an update for this long. I'll try hurrying up the other updates.

As usual, if you see any mistakes, I'd really appreciate it if you pointed them out. Thank you to all of those who reviewed, I enjoyed reading them!

"There seems to be trouble on the island, Mashiro."

"Trouble?" Mashiro had just been roused from her sleep by a phone call. It was none other than John Smith, head of the SEARRS company.

"Yes." There was a pause before John continued, "I'm certain that you recall the whole incident with the Obsidian Lord…"

"Yes, I remember." After all, how could she forget?

"Well, what if the Obsidian magic never really died out…?"

Mashiro paused.

"What do you mean?" She was certain that the Obsidian Lord was completely wiped out. The Sword of Kagutsuchi was supposed to be enough to completely rid the world of the evil that the Obsidian Lord could possibly leave behind.

"Apparently," muttered John, "the Obsidian still runs strong."

Shizuru could only watch as Yukino tried to wrap up Natsuki's beaten body with the torn remains of her clothes. Chun helped too, considering she was equally as handy. She cut up Natsuki's jacket into perfect shreds in order to be used as makeshift bandages. Natsuki would be most displeased when she woke up.

However, doubt hovered over the others like a looming cloud. Natsuki had been in bad shape, like she'd been caught in an explosion. Midori commented on her being lucky if she came out without any sort of disfigurement.

Shizuru found herself silently praying authentically for the first time in years. God had not been quite kind to her, she had to admit. As of late, she felt deprived from His grace and she merely prayed for show nowadays (especially whenever father was around).

Today, she would give him one final chance to give Natsuki one chance at least to get through this unscarred. Afterward, Shizuru would protect her, she would fervently promise.

She begged and pleaded until she felt her clasped hands tremble and her teeth ache with how hard they grinded against each other.

At times, Tomoe would bother her, but Shizuru would politely order her to go fetch some fruit or some water, just to be rid of her for a few precious seconds. The girl loved to cling to her. It was only slightly irksome.

Shizuru was still convinced that she loved her. Tomoe only bothered her because she cared.

After much waiting, Yukino finally returned with a verdict.

Natsuki was very much fine, save for a bit of scarring of the face and body. Her side was flaking at the sign due to the burns and, thus, should not be touched until fully healed.

To be honest, Shizuru didn't know what to think. When she saw Natsuki curled up in the sand motionless that night, she couldn't even distract herself from the whirring feelings within her chest.

When morning came, Natsuki was gone.

Where was she?

Natsuki had been searching for her double for several hours. Several hours she stumbled around in pain, holding her guns at the ready, in case anything decided to jump at her. Even if she knew full well that she was in no condition to fight, she would force herself to be in the condition. She was tired of staying out of the game for so long. It had made her weak.

Duran slowly padded after Natsuki, but he soon grew weary of walking for so long. This always made Natsuki worry about his health. What was she doing wrong that was making him so weak?

Sooner or later, Natsuki could hear the laboured pants of her Child and she had to rest along with him in the middle of the forest. Listening to Duran's heavy breathing only created a hole in her stomach.

Natsuki dematerialised her guns and buried her face in her hands. How embarrassing, to be tended to because of a huge surprise attack. She should have been ready for it, but she felt she was too weak to even fucking keep alert.

Well, she was going to change that. She would get her revenge.

If only she knew where she was…

Natsuki punched the ground, absolutely fed up with herself. If only Tate was here, maybe he'd know what to do—

That was it. She was missing Tate. That was probably why she was so weak. Maybe Keys really were necessary all this time? But that wouldn't make any sense, everyone else seemed perfectly fine without a Key. Even Mai was doing better for some reason.

Suddenly, the clouds filtered out the sun and left her in a greyish atmosphere. She clenched her jaw irritably and slowly pushed herself up. Duran followed.

The two of them continued their journey.

Mai was a wreck. As soon as she spotted the space where Natsuki previously was, she nearly had a panic attack.

She was quick to divide the HiMEs into groups of two, unconsciously pairing Shizuru with Midori, much to Tomoe's disdain and Shizuru's hidden delight. Without Tomoe by her side, she was less prone to losing focus.

As soon as the dividing was done, she sent everyone out. Shizuru and Midori hopped onto Gakutenou and they were in the air in seconds, soaring. Shizuru held on tightly as the wind nearly blinded her and through her hair. They soon landed and Gakutenou crouched for a second, as if to get its bearing, before tearing through the forest like a yellow knife.

Shizuru held on, her eyes open for Natsuki.

Natsuki heard a ruckus and materialised her weapons as soon as she turned towards it. Duran and she paused in their tracks as they heard the harried footsteps of many. Were there more doubles of her?

Her hands were trembling, but she willed them to stop. She couldn't show weakness.

Suddenly, a figure jumped out of the bushes and Natsuki nearly shot it when she saw flesh. She paused and looked up to see a man barely covered by a loincloth.

Natsuki didn't know what to think of this.

The man cried out and held his spear at the ready upon seeing Duran. Natsuki looked between Duran and the man and she silently willed Duran to disappear. He did as told and sunk into the ground. The man ignored Natsuki and inched over towards the ground that Duran had previously occupied.

Upon seeing that Duran had completely vanished, his shoulders relaxed and he turned to Natsuki. He scrutinised her for a long while, unsure as to what he thought of her.

Natsuki dropped her guns and raised her hands to show that she meant no harm. After a long pause, the man smiled and he lowered his spear and placed a hand on his chest. He slipped away past the trees.

Natsuki stood there, stunned by what just happened. After half a minute, she was about to call back Duran when the man reappeared and beckoned her to follow.

Hesitantly, Natsuki decided to follow him. They both manoeuvred through the trees and the bushes together.

Hours of hopeless searching later, Midori suggested they take a break.

"I'll go and fetch some fruit," said Midori enthusiastically. "You just wait here. Holler if you need help with anything!"

And, with that, Midori was off with Gakutenou. Shizuru sighed once she left. If only she could feel the excitement. All she felt was sadness and exhaustion. She really hoped Natsuki hadn't gotten herself into too much trouble.

She remembered making that promise that she would take care of Natsuki if she got through okay last night. That made her heart drop. What sort of guardian was she if she couldn't even keep a proper eye on her?

Just as Shizuru was about to delve any deeper in her thoughts, she felt an extra presence.

"Psst."

Shizuru straightened up and scrambled to her feet. She whirled around and spotted none other than Natsuki in the bushes, grinning up at her.

"Shizuru, hey," she said gaily. Shizuru could not hide her shock.

"N-Natsuki?" whispered Shizuru as Natsuki pulled herself out of the bushes. "Where were you?"

"I was hunting Orphans," said Natsuki as she pulled out a pomegranate from her pocket. "Here."

Shizuru didn't take it, despite her suspicious craving and dry mouth.

"Natsuki, you should not be running about in your state."

Even as she said this, Shizuru noticed that Natsuki looked perfect for someone who was supposed to have been injured.

"I'm fine," Natsuki confirmed, narrowing her eyes. She played with the pomegranate in her hand by throwing it from one to the other. "You shouldn't worry so damn much."

"What did I tell Natsuki about swearing?" Shizuru was in a bit of a playful mood all of a sudden. "You seem to be better."

"I feel better around you, that's why," said Natsuki.

"Natsuki, is that a declaration of love?" Shizuru mocked.

"Maybe."

Shizuru had to pause for a second. She stared at Natsuki.

Was she flirting? No, that wasn't Natsuki's style at all. She never flirted, not even with the Yuuichi boy. She tended to be either very straightforward or very cryptic. Something was wrong here.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" asked Shizuru. Natsuki laughed and her laugh sounded so new, so revitalising, that Shizuru felt her face grow hot with… with… something. Something indescribable, something driven, something—

"I already told you, I'm fine," she replied as she threw the pomegranate at Shizuru's feet. Shizuru tugged at her collar and smiled.

"Well, Natsuki certainly seems fine," said Shizuru as she turned her face away to futilely hide her obvious blush.

"I hope so," said Natsuki, taking a predatory step towards Shizuru. "Shizuru? Would you look at me?"

Shizuru turned, but sorely regretted it, for Natsuki suddenly grabbed her hair and yanked her into a rough kiss.

Shizuru's eyes widened and she tried to pull away, but Natsuki happened to be quite strong.

"Natsuki," Shizuru breathed once she managed to pull away for a second, "this isn't right—"

"I'll make it right," Natsuki hissed before pushing her tongue into Shizuru's mouth.

Too much, too much.

Shizuru released a moan and hesitantly had her hands roam Natsuki's back.

Things grew a little heated as Natsuki's fingers found the skin under Shizuru's blouse and Shizuru's lips found her collarbone, but it was abruptly ended when Natsuki suddenly yanked away. She stood upright and looked over to where a distinctive sound was coming from. Shizuru could hardly hear anything with the blood rushing in her ears.

"Shizuru?" she heard the muffled voice of Midori. "You alright? I'm hearing voices…"

Natsuki quickly fled, skimming past trees and kicking past bushes and scrubs.

"Wait, Natsuki," Shizuru called out, but Natsuki was already long gone. Shizuru heard shuffling from the side and turned to see Midori and Gakutenou running in.

"Shizuru, didn't you hear me calling you?" said Midori, looking a little worried. She paused and her eyes scanned Shizuru's form before she muttered, "You look roughed up. Did an Orphan come by here?"

"No, of course not, Miss Midori," said Shizuru as she began to fix up her hair. "I was merely sleeping."

"It sounded like you were having one hell of a dream!" said Midori with a suggestive whistle. Shizuru tugged down her blouse seeing as a part of her underwear was showing.

"Well, let's keep going, shall we?" said Midori as she threw Shizuru a pomegranate.

Shizuru stared down at it before handing it back to Midori.

"I'm not very hungry, thank you," Shizuru said rather hoarsely.

"Uh… okay, I'll save it for later," said Midori as she shoved it into the pocket of her signature blue track jacket. "Whatever you say."

"Tomoe, this doesn't seem right," Miya mumbled as she stared at Tomoe hack away at an Orphan, spilling its ink everywhere. Tomoe turned to her with a raised brow, silently asking her to elaborate. "We're supposed to be finding Natsuki."

"We'll find her when we find her," Tomoe said simply. "Right now, we're killing Orphans. We're too far behind and if Kuga wants to get herself killed, then so be it. That's hardly my problem."

Miya was silent for a moment as Tomoe turned back around to continue cutting into the Orphan with her Lochaber.

Then there was a squeal.

Tomoe paused in her cutting and her head snapped upwards. Miya saw a flash in her eye and she could only hold her breath. Tomoe was usually dangerous whenever that look was in her eye.

After a pause, there was another squeal and a pig came waddling in.

Miya covered her eyes. She knew what was coming.

There was silence before the whistling of a blade was heard before an abrupt thunk. A bloodcurdling squeal tore into Miya's ears and she tensed up. The squealing continued and, all throughout, Tomoe's crazed chuckles filtered through the sounds of a suffering creature mixed with the tearing and the whistling.

All the while, Miya could only shield her eyes.

Natsuki and the young man approached a small community in the middle of the forest. It was populated by little huts and it was lively with agriculture. Women tended to the plants as men came and walked about with animals slung over their shoulders.

The man led her deeper into the little society. The people stopped to stare at her as if she was some type of alien.

The man finally entered one of the large cabins made of wood. Natsuki went in after him. In that cabin was a circle of men, all of which looked old and severe.

The oldest of the circle stared at Natsuki's guide then at Natsuki herself. There was an uncomfortable silence as they all stood there. Natsuki raised a hand in greeting.

"Hi."

The circle of men didn't say a word in response. Natsuki felt very uncomfortable now.

"Hello," said the oldest. Natsuki smiled a bit. "Pardon my Japanese… but what is your name, young woman?"

"Kuga Natsuki," Natsuki replied. The men of the circle nodded, understanding this. The oldest in the circle waved his hand at the younger man, telling him to leave. The man nodded, flashed a smile at Natsuki, and slipped away, leaving her alone.

"Sit," said the elder. Natsuki complied. "I have seen your kind before. They came in a big group and they talked with us, teaching us Japanese. They came asking for things we did not have on us. What do you come for?"

"Uh… I was sent here," she replied simply.

"Why?"

What could Natsuki say to this? Should she tell the truth? That would take too much explaining…

"Vacation," said Natsuki quickly. She mentally kicked herself in the mouth. "You know, travelling? For fun?"

"I see," he said. There was a pause before he pointed over to her face. "I see that you are hurt. I have some herbs that may heal you."

Natsuki's eyes widened and she felt her face only to feel irritable cuts and some flaking skin. She needed a mirror. Was her hair alright?

She touched her hairline and felt around her scalp.

Natsuki sighed. Hair was fine.

The elder spoke to his friends in an indistinguishable language Natsuki had never heard before. They nodded and one of them pushed himself up to his feet. He shuffled over to what seemed like a workshop in the corner and grabbed a few herbs and a mortar carrying a wooden pestle.

"So, Kuga," said the elder. Natsuki turned back to him. "Is there anyone else here?"

"Yes," replied Natsuki. The elder turned back to his brethren and they spoke in hushed voices. The elder held up a hand to silence them as the doctor of the circle came shuffling back with the mortar cupped in his hand lovingly. He handed it to Natsuki and she received it with care.

The substance made Natsuki's eyes water and it stole all her will power not to make an insulting face. She couldn't possibly drink (eat?) this greyish goop which they presented to her. She didn't know if it could kill her.

"Drink," the oldest said calmly.

Natsuki smiled at him before drinking up the substance. She choked halfway, but since she was already half done, she might as well finish the rest. When she was finished, it took her a moment of silence not to have it come back out. She took in deep breaths and screwed her eyes shut, pushing the substance down her throat.

"Ugh," she said quietly, wiping her mouth with her rag-covered arm. She stared at her arm to see that the rags tightly wound around it were soaked in blood. She sighed and looked up at the elder. "What's your name?"

"My name is Raini," he said shortly. "I am the chief."

Natsuki nodded. The old doctor took the mortar from Natsuki's bony hands before taking it back to the little workshop in the corner. He started to work on a paste.

"What did the people look like?" Natsuki asked out of curiosity. "The people who came before me?"

Raini was hesitant. He didn't seem to know how to express his answer.

"They were… men dressed in black," he said slowly. "They had… big black eyes over their real eyes, too."

"Black eyes," Natsuki repeated, confused. Then it clicked. Maybe he meant shades?

"They were accompanied by a small girl who had lost the use of her legs," he said. "I believe she was the chief of the place she came from. She ordered around the men in black."

Mashiro.

"What did she ask for?" Natsuki inquired.

"Treasure," replied Raini. "They looked through our things and they found nothing. They called us liars and left."

Now why would Mashiro go and ask for treasure? That didn't sound anything like her, really. She was much gentler than that.

However, when motivated, Mashiro could prove to be a dire threat.

"You must rest, sister," said Raini with a smile. He grabbed his cane and spoke to one of the other men in the circle, motioning to Natsuki. The man nodded and stood up briskly. He went up Nastuki and muttered, "Follow me," before brushing past her. Natsuki sprang to her feet and thanked Raini before leaving.

The chief smiled.

Shizuru frowned.

She felt her lips for the fifth time that afternoon. They were a bit swollen. Tasted a bit like pomegranate, too.

She and Midori went back to hunting for Natsuki in silence. Shizuru didn't know what to say or what to think. She was simply stunned into silence after that (wonderful) shocking event.

What would happen the next time she met Natsuki? Greet her like always? Have a chat? Yes, they really should talk about what just happened.

But that was a tinge embarrassing. How do you start a conversation about a kiss?

"That kid always likes to hide," mumbled Midori as she poked through the bushes from her perch on Gakutenou. Shizuru decided to walk. She didn't feel that sitting down would help with her whirring emotions.

Shizuru felt her face rise in temperature and she sighed as lightly as possible. There a craving, to see Natsuki, to be near her, but she knew very well that she couldn't without losing her perfected control. What was happening with her? Natsuki was her friend. If anything, one of her two closest friends. She couldn't possibly see her as anything more, it was all wrong.

Shizuru never thought she would witness the day where she was required to reject Natsuki. She could discourage anyone else, but never Natsuki.

Things were really beginning to change around here. The desire to escape the island only grew stronger and Shizuru was determined to leave as quickly as possible so that she could live her life normally once again. How she wished she could enjoy the luxuries of tea again. She was in desperate need of it now. Her nerves were frazzled to the point where she felt herself giving into impulses much faster than usual.

Shizuru's impulses were never the best things to give in to.

Shizuru clutched her naginata tightly and thought to herself, "You have Tomoe. Find yourself."

And she would repeat this in her mind over and over…