Disclaimer: I do not own anything... not even this story... sad huh? This is a translation attempt of my favorite Chinese ShizNat fanfic. Details of the original work and author are included at the end of this chapter.

Summary: Story takes place after the carnival. Natsuki finally took the next step. Things couldn't have been better ... however, will it last? ShizNat.

Equilibrium

Epilogue

Authored by Firerei

Translated by glowie

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10 years later...

Report 1:
Under the capable leadership of the President and CEO of Fujino Corporation, the organization is now a world renowned and highly regarded entity in the world business arena. Its influence and fame reaching far and wide. Part of its fame stems from the organization's focus on charitable works. It is rumored that the organization has also anonymously supported a lot of humanitarian projects across the globe. Even critics have found it hard to believe that an organization would go to such lengths to establish a healthy corporate image.

Report 2:
State of the Art Orphanage is officially opened today. Built on top of the ruins left by a Searrs Corporation factory, destroyed years ago, the orphanage is equipped with the latest...

Report 3:
Heiress to the Fujino Corporation has yet to find a suitable marriage partner. Rumor has it that Ms. Fujino is too busy and ambitious and has no plans to settle down anytime soon. However, according to reliable sources, Ms. Fujino's close female friend is the real reason behind the wealthy heiress reluctance to find a husband. When asked to confirm this rumor, a 'no comment' has been issued by the corporation's media relations.

Somehow, the following scenario doesn't seemed right as we see the raven haired beauty carefully and neatly arranges the above mentioned newspaper cuttings into a bulky blue folder. She will definitely deny it if someone actually accuses her of doing this and she wouldn't be lying either since she herself couldn't believe she did it and has been doing it for awhile now.

"Natsuki? What are you busy with? Dinner is ready."

"I'm coming..." the raven haired beauty slowly stood up and stretched lazily.

"My, my, the media is buzzing a lot around you lately. Always the center of attention aren't we now." said the amused younger woman, taking her time approaching the dinner table.

Smiling slightly, the brown haired woman proceeds to place the rest of the dishes on the table.

"Heh! Your people will surely beat me up if they found out that the capable President and CEO of Fujino Corporation actually cooks for me every day." The raven haired beauty joked.

"ONLY if they plan to lose their jobs..." replied the older woman half jokingly ... only half mind you.

Natsuki laughs lightly at the reply as she stood behind her lover and folded her arms around her waist. Holding her in a comfortable hug, she buries her face into the Kyoto beauty's jasmine scented soft brown hair. Contented in the simple show of affection, the older woman stood motionless, enjoying the tender moment.

"By the way, there is a new charity project in Africa hoping to get some corporate funding. What do you think Natsuki?"

"Well... we've just spent 3 over million on the orphanage... do you think the company still have excess funds to do this?"

Contemplating this for a minute or so, Shizuru replied. "Hrm... I'll discuss this with the board of directors tomorrow."

"Really?" Natsuki grin mischievously, knowing full well what the "result" would be before the "discussion" actually took place.

"I think they are gonna squirm. Their 'Ojou-sama' is such a squanderer." continued her lover playfully, although she did felt a tinge of "compassion" for them.

Shizuru smiled.

"But I know my Shizuru is trying very hard." admitted Natsuki proudly.

"Of course, because I am alive and happily so ... I am so fortunate. But there is still so much suffering and unjust in this world... if only everyone is willing to just do a bit more... just try harder... maybe... everyone can live happily too."

Natsuki nodded her head in agreement. "Now tell me, what kind of world would my Shizuru want to build?"

Shizuru gently turns around, placing a light kiss on her lover's cheek and replied. "The Republic of Heaven, of course."

The End

Note: "Republic of Heaven" comes from Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials'

Notes: Wooohoo... finally managed to get it all done! -dances around with joy-

Thank you all so much for your support and tolerance and especially those of you who have reviewed. I will definitely forward them to Firerei. I think she'll appreciate them as much as I do. 

I really enjoyed this and felt good doing this. I saw quite some angst ended up with either Shizuru or Natsuki ending their lives and I just needed to share this BEAUTIFUL piece. I really love how Firerei portray Natsuki. A smart, innocent, strong and fiercely loyal friend and lover.

Another reason I felt good about this? LOL... I think this is the 1st time I wrote something which is NOT my homework. -laugh- AND I don't do my homework...

As usual, Firerei's blog can be found at http://axonxrei.blog97 dot fc2 dot com

Btw... if you know of good Chinese Shiznat fics... send me a link? My Chinese ain't that grand and Chinese forums makes me dizzy... thanks. :)