AH! I am ashamed with myself for taking this long to update and I can do nothing else but apologize once more. I have been deeply depressed lately making it impossible to write such a romantic story when I have been doubting love. But I am fine now, I think. Which resulted in a update. I do hope you have not yet abandoned this story. Do enjoy!
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Third person's point of view
-"Talking"
(Natsuki's thoughts)
Shizuru's thoughts
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Disclaimer: Nothing to own just something to share!
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The world seemed to stop just to give this moment to Natsuki whose heart seemed to have stopped. She
felt the air being squeezed out of her and forced herself to keep her head high. Exhaustion was
evident but she needed to hear this. Everything was decided with this single answer. Two sets of eyes
were focused on the woman of their dreams. Each hoping for the answer they needed to hear, too bad it
was not the same one.
-"I cannot abide by your wish. As much as I dislike seeing her hurt, I made a promise which I intend
to hold...until death."
Natsuki could suddenly breathe again. Even though she was muttering "idiot" she was still smiling.
Tomoe on the other hand was not pleased with the result at hand. She was gnashing her teeth in anger
and the knife was starting to get a little too close Natsuki's throat.
-"What do you mean? You still choose her? And rubbish talk about a promise? I will kill her before
you have the chance for your pretty reunion."
-"Then I will simply follow short after her death. Nothing will keep us apart. It would be wise for
you to understand this point."
-"You'd rather die than be with me? Is it so difficult for you to make a single lie, just to keep
her alive? Why can't you even lie to me when it is to keep me satisfied?! I demand one single lie.
Can it damage your petty promise to that extent by telling one?"
The once so confident prisoner abruptly turned into an emotional wreck. She was starting to loose her
mind.
-"It takes an enormous time and patience to create a bond of absolute trust but it takes a single lie
to break it."
-"Then why bother?!"
-"Because of the fulfillment when accomplished. To be able to share something this fragile yet strong
bond with someone you hold close. The security of knowing someone will always be there for you and the
happiness of sharing everything. It is what keeps us going and what will keep us together."
-"You make it sound so beautiful and tempting. Have you forgotten the pain? The ache you feel when
being betrayed? The sting remains as a reminder of the foolishness you once believed in. It will keep
haunting you along with the fear. You will never be able to trust another human being again. It will
keep you alerted and you will cherish loneliness because it keeps you safe from everything else."
The words from Tomoe repeated in Natsuki's ears. She could relate to everything she said: the pain,
sting, fear and loneliness.
(Can I really let it all go and trust again? Am I capable?)
Her thoughts were interrupted by the melodic and calming voice of Shizuru.
-"In that case will you simply stop trying? Loosing faith in the ones that have supported and loved
you unconditionally solely because one mere individual managed to cause you harm? Will you give up it
all for someone clearly not worth your time?"
Tomoe was rendered speechless as Natsuki. Both were staring at the strong willed woman standing before
them. Tomoe then regained her composure enough to ask a question.
-"Are you not worth Kuga-sans time then?"
-"I admit that I have caused her immense pain..."
Tomoe was secretly smiling at her victory.
-"...however that will not stop me from trying to make amends of my past wrongdoing."
Her smile then dropped.
-"You do not regret this decision?"
-"No, I do not."
-"Not even if she dies?"
-"No, since this is what is right. This is what I should have done from the very beginning."
Shizuru kept her gaze firm on Tomoe, waiting for any sudden movement. Her announced decision meant
Natsuki was put in immense risk, the stakes were high but she felt obliged to do it correctly this
time. She did not want to regret any further choices. A sudden mad laughter erupted. Tomoe's head was
flung backwards and she laughed. The sudden turn of events made both Natsuki and Shizuru puzzled. What
was she laughing at?
-"You play me for a fool? That I will simply let you distract me and wait for support to rescue you?
No, my dear you see...if I can't have you. Then no one will!"
Suddenly she flung forward grabbing hold of both of Shizuru's hands, the knife still in her right
hand. The second Natsuki noticed the knife away from her throat she began to struggle. Pulling and
grunting when pain shot through her wrist. Since she had no tools at hand she had no other choice then
to keep on pulling hoping for the rope to break. But by doing so she made the rope embedded further
into the skin. When Tomoe attacked Shizuru her attempts of breaking free became even more desperate.
Blood was dripping at the floor from the wounds but she took no notice, still focused on her mission.
(Dammit! Shizuru...)
Surprise could be spotted in Shizuru's eyes since she clearly did not foresee this outcome. This made
the attacker grin at the small victory.
-"Now my princess if you just hold still for a slight moment everything will be alright. You and I
will be at peace."
Panic, fear and horror all emotions at the same time. Quickened pulse, faster breathing, desperate
struggling and empty head. Natsuki felt everything. She felt powerless, utterly useless with no clue
of what to do.
(Think Natsuki! Think! There has to be something I can do...focus dammit!)
Shifting her gaze and searching for something, anything of help. There were old boxes; used rope and a
giant log...wait. Studying the log a bit more careful she could see that it was hanging from the roof.
Two ropes tied to either side of the log which should make it hang just above her lovers and current
attackers head. A third rope was tied to the far end of the warehouse. Now if she could cut that one
it should swing right at Tomoe, the real problem being Shizuru. She could not afford her being
injured. Since she did not bring her gun or any other throwing objects it was impossible to cut the
rope from where she was standing in the middle of the room, just out of range for the timber to
strike. She did not have the time to dart and cut the damn rope the run to keep her girlfriend out of
harms way. Her mind was working intensely for a solution.
(I can't do it alone. It's impossible!)
A very thoughtless idea came to her. It was stupid and nothing else but foolish, but it just might
work. The pair of them needed to fully co-operate with each other, without using words to make this
successful. This would prove to be the most complicated part of this entire plan.
(I have to get her attention. But how? Come on, Shizuru! Look over here.)
Natsuki's voice was still weak and that made it difficult for her to yell, it would also have drawn
Tomoe's attention. She focused on Shizuru again and her eyes widened when she saw Tomoe raise the
knife. She was preparing to stab Shizuru! Natsuki started to yank the ropes and desperately trying to
free herself all the while remain focused on her lover, never looking away.
(Shizuru, look at me. Please just look at me!)
As if able to hear her thoughts Shizuru's eyes connected with Natsuki's. Not losing another second she
tried to quickly change her gaze from the knife and then over to the third rope that held the log. If
she could somehow cut it then it would swing itself from one side of the room to another and hopefully
only hitting Tomoe. Shizuru had somehow managed to grab hold of Tomoe's hand which held the knife and
was having difficulties focusing on both of them. Giving Natsuki a quick but very questionable stare
as if silently asking "Are you certain?", Natsuki replied with a quick nod.
(Trust me.)
With such a determined look Shizuru could do nothing but simply follow orders since she was in no
position to freely think of something better. Focusing on her assigned task her eyebrows furrowed in
concentration. Natsuki kept her eyes steady on her lover ready to take action at the given signal.
Shizuru kept struggling against Tomoe and at the same time focusing on the third rope. She had a
single chance. Either she successfully turned the tables around or she would pay with both their
lives, as expected Natsuki needed to be able to assist in carrying out her part as well. Tomoe had a
firm grip around Shizuru's both wrist making her hands almost look like she surrenders. Using a swift
move Shizuru grabbed hold of Tomoe's right wrist using her left hand and twisted promptly to the left
making Tomoe forced to let go of the knife. Shizuru kept on twisting and at the second the knife was
dropped she gracefully caught it. With an immediate throw aiming for the third rope. During the throw
Tomoe managed to compose herself and rapidly threw herself towards Shizuru again. Chanting a silent
prayer wishing the knife good luck Shizuru took on her opponent once again. Natsuki held her breath
following the knife's entire air travel and thinking that time was excessively slow. Every muscle in
her body was tensed and her heart was racing. Leisurely the blade seemed to cut the rope and for a
second it seemed unscathed making Natsuki almost groan in frustration. Then with a sudden snap the
last straws broke. The log was no longer bound and started to dangerously swing towards the two still
fighting gaining speed for every second that passed by. Natsuki could feel her adrenaline pumping all
the while seeing the now giant log getting closer hitting her lover panic rose inside of her and with
a powerful yank she managed to free herself. Fueled by fear and numb because of panic she hardly felt
the pain the made deep cuts in her skin created as a result of the rope. She only thought was to push
her lover out of harms way. With little distance left between them she hurled herself and collided
with Shizuru, the force sending them both away from Tomoe who could only shockingly watch them.
Natsuki hugged Shizuru close trying to break the fall. What none of them expected was that the log did
hit Tomoe with full force but only with one side sending her flying. When the log knocked Tomoe with
only one side it made the log spin which resulted in the other side smack Natsuki. Since she had
somewhat moved out of range it only managed to hit her the back of her head but seeing the still
remaining power it still could cause some damage. Shizuru only saw Natsuki close her eyes in pain and
she had no idea what had transpired. With a loud "thud" they landed on the hard and cold floor. As
the very always observant one she quickly started seek out the cause behind the pained look on her
precious ones face. Pulling her lover and making her head rest in her lap. She tried calling her name
waiting for any response. What happened to Tomoe was since long forgotten.
-"Natsuki! Natsuki!"
Please let her be all right.
Continuously shaking her very lightly and calling her name. Then finally after several minutes of
constant attempts a groan was heard and Shizuru breathed in relief.
-"Ugh, my head hurts."
Feeling the throbbing where she got hit she groaned again. Instinctively putting her hand where it
hurt and wincing when pain surged through her head. Something sticky was on her hands. She narrowed
her eyes to see better but it was all blurry.
-"Neh, Shizuru. I've got something on my hands but I can't see what, can you?"
The wounds on your wrists...they are still bleeding...blood.
"It is only some oily substance. Nothing to concern yourself over, Natsuki."
-"...Shizuru."
Relief was clearly in her voice and seeing her lover again made her happy; even if she was somewhat
fuzzy the important being that she knew it was her. Natsuki reached up to cup her girlfriends cheek
but stopped when she remembered how soiled her hand was. She was just going to lower the hand down
when Shizuru's hand caught it and pressed it against her chin. Protests were futile since Shizuru
would hear none of it. Natsuki kept complaining that she was dirtying Shizuru.
-"I do not mind."
Shizuru closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth from the hand and this made Natsuki blush. Natsuki
squinted her eyes some more.
-"I can't even see you that clearly. It's really dark in here. Isn't the sun up yet?"
It has been up for a while and the sunrays are casting light upon this cursed building.
-"No, it has not. It is still very dark."
-"I'm kinda tired. Are we safe? Help will come right? Can I...Can I take a nap?"
No!
-"Of course, Natsuki. I will be right beside you when you awaken."
Shizuru smiled not really knowing if Natsuki was able to distinguish it.
-"Yeah, I'll just take a...quick...nap."
Slowly she drifted off to sleep. Even if Shizuru clearly saw her chest heaving up and down, feeling
the pulse beat in a steady rhythm and heard the light snores it did not stop her tears from falling.
Her thoughts were being drowned by several agents bursting in and yelling something incoherently. She
only kept whimper for the present but mostly she cried for the future. For the unknown future which
she was afraid to live through alone.
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Okay now if any of you disbelief in the way Shizuru disarmed Tomoe I can assure you that I have tried this method and it really worked! Second of all for the injury my boyfriend has insisted in explaining the correct medical and scientific way it works for a person to receive a hard blow to your head which usually results in people fainting which I must point out that Natsuki indeed did. I can agree that to some point it doesn't really work as in reality but it's a fiction so please don't complain cause I need it this way for everything to work out the way I want it. But thanks for your patience and I really hope for some reviews telling me how I'm doing.