BIG thanks to all who reviewed, it really means alot to me.
I don't own Mai Hime or Otome, Sunrise does.
Chapter 2
Mai took another glance at her map. It looked as though the time to act was only moments away. She observed her surroundings for windows or any sort of holes that lead out of the ship. There were none to her dismay. Her only choice was the deck. But was this really for the best? She began to second-guess herself as she looked at all the poor sharing the steerage. An old man in the corner shivered as the wind blew down the stairs. A child across from her vomited quietly into a bucket as her mother rubbed her back and cooed to her. Mai cringed at the fact that Takumi would be sharing the life of these people for now without her. How would he handle all this? She reassured herself it would be tough for him at first but he was a very adaptable young man, and once she sends the first check over it would not only pay for his medicine but also a place of his own, away from poverty.
Yes, that is how it will be. I only hope he will forgive me for what I must do.
Mai grabbed her small bag of possessions and took one last look at her sleeping brother. She slid the white pillbox into his pocket with a note inside as well. She then planted a small kiss on his forehead.
Goodbye Takumi, you know I love you. This will all be for the best, you'll see.
Takumi seemed to smile in his sleep, causing Mai to also grin. She turned around without a second glance and proceeded up the stairs and onto the deck. Once on deck she took one more look at the ragged, old map.
Xeres…It lies to the east, so I should jump down this way.
Putting it away Mai headed to the east side of the ship. Once there she looked off the ship. It was a long way down. Nervousness struck her as she thought of all the things that could go wrong.
What if I hit the side of the ship while dropping down? What if I get caught under it? It is going rather fast. UGH! I just need to focus on land just right-
Onee-chan!
Mai's thoughts were interrupted by a frantic calling.
Onee-chan!
Mai realized it was Takumi. She knew he would do everything in his power to stop her from leaving. She immediately started to climb on top of the ship's rails to jump off but was caught in her brother's gaze. She froze.
Onee-chan! Why are you doing this!
Ta-Takumi! Go back! You'll catch a chill.
I don't care! Just tell me why you're doing this!
Mai put her feet farther up the rails
You are too young to understand. Please just go back.
NO! I will never go back! Just tell me!
Mai sighed, she knew the only thing she could do was tell him.
I- Takumi, I…..
Tears began to develop in her eyes with her back to her brother; she just couldn't face him.
I'm leaving
Takumi's expression became wild and frantic.
NO ONEE-CHAN! NO!
I'm sorry…
Suddenly he grabbed her back from behind her and pulled it into a tight embrace. He began to cry hysterically.
MAI! NO! Don't leave me Mai!
I'm sorry…
Her voice was cold and expressionless.
Mai! I'll be all alone! Please we can live in the shelter together!
It is an all boy's shelter, I never told you that.
What will you do!? NO! You're going to become a Senshi aren't you!?
Mai froze, still unable to look at him. Takumi was too smart.
You said you'd never do that! They kill Mai! They kill for a living!
I will send you money every month for your medicine
THEY KILLED MOM!
At the mentioning off this her feelings turned to shame. She quickly shoved Takumi off her back, and jumped off the ship into the soft sand below. The fall winded her, but the memory of her mother's death and the thought of joining those who caused it were more painful than anything she had ever felt.
MAI!
Takumi frantically called for her.
MAI!
Mai looked up at Takumi as the ship sailed away. She began to cry.
I'm so sorry Takumi, but this is the only way.
Takumi called for Mai even more, but there was nothing he could do. He stood there in shock, helplessly watching his sister disappear among the dark night sands. Now he was truly alone.
Now remember, we must keep our cover. This is a very wild place and we can't expose our identities. Our goal is to find a young female to be your temporary Senshi. Don't do anything that may get you in any kind of danger. Do you understand Duchess Fujino?
Masashi-san is worrying too much, I have been briefed on this many times today. I assure you I will be fine. And besides, Masashi-san will be protecting me.
Takeda blushed at her last comment then cleared his throat.
All right shall we proceed?
Shizuru nodded and they both left the car. As the driver drove off they headed toward the rowdy, dirty stadium. It was a large building covered by only a canvas roof. Scents of alcohol and cigarettes filled the air as the two passed by large crowds of drunken teenagers and shady characters who gave Shizuru unwelcome looks as she passed them by. She ignored this and continued toward the building.
As they walked in and bought their tickets to The Valkaries of Blood, the same sort of people lingered around. Loud rock music played as Shizuru and Takeda rushed to their seats though the wild crowd. When they finally sat down the unsophisticated atmosphere compelled Takeda to apologize.
I must apologize Duchess Fujino, this was certainly no place to bring you-Shhh… It's starting. Hushed Shizuru covering her lips.
The lights dimmed down as the music turned to a drum roll. The noisy crowd stopped their screaming and turned their attention to the large dirt arena in front of them. The lights began to hover and finally stop upon a stout unshaven man with a cold face, a long whip and a top hat. He began to roar into his microphone!
I AM YOUR RINGMASTER! AND I HAVE ONE THING TO SAY TO ALL YOU MUTHAF&#$S OUT THERE!
The language just about made Takeda faint. The ringmaster continued.
WHAT DO YOU WANT!
He turned his microphone to the audience who almost instinctively screamed
BLOOD!
I CAN'T HEAR YOU! Called the ringmaster.
BLOOD!
WHAT!
BLOOD! Screamed the audience in one final unison.
I GIVE YOU MY VAAAAALLKAAAARIESSSS!
At that the music changed to metal as the ringmaster cracked his whip and disappeared into the dark stadium. The audience howled with excitement as Takeda and Shizuru simply stayed in their seats, not sure what to make of all this primitive entertainment.
It's time to start looking Takeda whispered in Shizuru's ear.
Suddenly the sound of engines was heard and the lights flickered madly around the arena. A yellow flash followed by a blue and red one swarmed the track. Shizuru then realized that they were dirt bikes yet were going so fast it was hard for her to see the riders. They flew across the area, over dirt piles, and on planks set up for them. They jumped over obstacles at incredible speeds almost bashing into each other. Shizuru had never seen such a spectacle and stared in awe wondering if one would make a suitable temporary Senshi.
After 5 minutes of this the yellow, blue and red riders finally stopped and aligned themselves in the middle of the arena. Shizuru finally got a chance to look at each rider. Although they were wearing heavy motorcycle helmets Shizuru could actually see that they were all indeed girls. She tried to see their faces but the helmets were just too dark. This made her pout.
Three men ran out on the field toward the riders and handed them machine guns. The ringmaster appeared again, and began his screaming once more.
AND NOW THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! I BRING YOU THE MAAASSSAAACUURE!!
The crowd went wild again as heavy footsteps were heard. Out of he trapped door in the middle of the arena a huge chained dragon-like creature appeared. It waved it's tail in rage and spat fire at the audience, though not reaching them. As the beast let out its first roar the riders scattered.
The yellow rider rode to the side of the dragon, shooting at its legs. Blood gushed from small cuts. The dragon stomped at the rider missing her completely. Distracted by the yellow rider the red rider stopped in front of it and fired a bullet into it's left eye. The now partially blind beast screamed and blew fire right into the red rider. The blaze struck her off her bike and she laid limp on the dirt. The dragon headed toward her ready for the final blow when suddenly the blue rider flew though the air and hit the dragon in the face, knocking him down. Landing gracefully on the dirt the blue rider rode over to the red, got off her bike and carried her to the medics on the side of the track.
Ara, how heroic, thought Shizuru.
The beast regained consciousness and now went for the bikeless blue rider. The yellow rider came by and shot the dragon in the chin. It screamed, and taking advantage of the situation the blue rider got back on her bike. The monster hit it's tail on the ground and caused the earth to shake. The blue rider managed to avoid all it's tail swings and shot it repeatedly in the face.
Blood dripped everywhere as the beast cringed and bared its teeth. The two riders flew across the arena, shooting at the dragon. The riders misjudged their time and got to close to the wounded beast. With one swipe of his long tail he knocked the blue rider off her bike. Dropping to the ground she let go of her gun and was now completely vulnerable. The creature seemed to grin, he knew she was now trapped. Trying to escape the blue rider ran to the side. The dragon then tail-whipped her in the back.
As she slide into the dirt her helmet cracked and fell to the ground revealing long dark blue hair that covered her face. Suddenly Shizuru's heart began to beat faster, her eyes intent on the rider. She began to stand, her face becoming known to the crowd. Yet her back was toward Shizuru.
Turn around! Turn!
Perhaps the rider felt this thought as she indeed, began to turn. All of a sudden she looked toward the audience and then right at Shizuru with her piercing eyes.
Maybe it was the crowds screaming, perhaps it was the adrenaline, or maybe it was something that could just not be explained, but whatever the reason those eyes had stopped Shizuru's world completely.
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