Author's Note: ALL RIGHT!! YAY!! NEXT CHAPTER! But sadly the last Chapter. I'm sorry everyone. But I got another Flame and . . . I'm stopping writing. But Please Enjoy this Chapter like always. Fair waring, this Chapter is a little Violent and Dark.
Again Enjoy! XD OOHH Before I Forget again it's late I know but . . .

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO: NAO JULIET YUUKI ZHANG!! JUNE 13!! XD

"Shizuru. I'm asking you a question here. Just how did you know I had an invitation?" Shizuru still had her back facing me. She moved over to the railing and placed her hands on it. She sighed heavily.

"I just assumed." (Assumed my foot! You knew I had one.)

"Okay. Fine. Say you did assume, but just how did you come to that conclusion?"

"The only way you would've be able to attend this Gala is for you, like everyone else to have an invitation. It's the only way for you to get through the door." (Okay. That's true, but what you don't know is that I didn't come through the door at all. And I think by hearing what you just said . . . I could poke another hole in that little theory of yours.)

"All right. That just may be true. But Shizuru have you taken a good look at me?"

"What do you mean?" Shizuru finally turned toward me. She had a confused look on her face as she stared right at me.

"Go ahead Shizuru. Take a long, hard, good look at me. Tell me what you see." Shizuru's eyes wandered as she began to size me up. As she continued to look, the look on her face had changed from confusion to worry. (Now I've got you.)

"I-I don't understand. How . . . how can– –

"Cut the act. You and I both know they wouldn't have let me in here dressed like this. And that's what you can't understand right? That's what you're worried about."

"No. Because as long as you still had the invite, they would have– – I cut Shizuru off again. She wasn't about to talk her way out of this one. Not this time.

"But Shizuru . . . I don't have it with me."

"I see. Well then I must have been mistaken." (Sure were. And now there's no way out of this. I caught you in your lie Shizuru. I'm so close now!) As soon as I was mentally congratulating myself, I heard her laughing

"Hm? What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing I just remembered. About how you got in actually, because you didn't have it with you. You're invite that is." I crossed my arms and glared at her.

"Oh yeah? I'd love to hear this one." Shizuru walked over to me.

"Fumi had informed me of your . . . mishap at home." (I didn't have any mishap. The only mishap I had was running into Fumi . . . and her foot ramming into my head!)

"She said that you needed to come here tonight and that it was important. And if she did not believe you to ask Reito. You said he was the one who gave you the invitation in the first place. She told me about it, and both me and Fumi had gone to ask Reito himself. He confirmed it too." (No way. That's a lie! I know she's lying! But then how did she know about mine and Fumi's running into each other? The only way for that to happen . . . is if Fumi really did tell her. But still something's not right.)

"So does that explain how I knew?"

"Not really. It still bothers me. True Reito did give me the invite, but why? Wouldn't he have needed it to get it?" Shizuru shook her head.

"No, because he is my fiancé and he has to attend to this Gala. It would've be awkward for both he and myself if he didn't show. He's a personal guest of mine and my father's."

"All right I'll give you that much. But why give it to me?"

"I have no idea. Besides I was going to give you one myself. But that day you found me in the park and went on about how boring this stuff is, I didn't think at all you would want to come. Maybe you felt like you wouldn't fit in . . . which being the case with what your wearing."

"Okay I get it! I not wearing a stupid fancy dress or anything like that. I get it, but it leads me to my next two questions. Why does it seem like no one gives a damn about that? How come no on had come to escort me out?" Shizuru filched slightly but what I was asking. She began to act fidgety. Crossing then uncrossing her arms, looking around her. Glancing back and forth from the door and then back to me.

"And one more thing I noticed. You didn't seem in the least surprised to see me here. Almost happy . . . as if you were excepting me. Also you knew exactly where to find me. Didn't you Shizuru?" I figured I ask another question. Maybe turn up the pressure for her. Hopefully she'll break soon and spill the beans on what's going on around here.

"Natsuki . . . I have to go. Sorry." Shizuru proceeds to walk pass me and make her way back inside, but I garbed her and pulled her back by her arm.

"No, you can't leave yet. Not now. Not when you still haven't answered my questions. No more games' Shizuru! Just tell me what you know!"

"Na-Natsuki stop it. You're hurting me." I hadn't realized just how tightly my grip on her arm was. I was so angry at that point, so desperate for answers that I didn't even care that I was hurting her. I let her go.

"Shizuru . . . I'm sorry about that. But you can't just walk away from me like that. Not until you give me some answers. And right now! I won't wait another second longer." Shizuru looked up at me with sad eyes, almost as similar to Nao's. (Am I being too hard on Shizuru now? I can't show sympathy to her right now. Not when I have to find out what I need to find out. No matter what.) I placed my hands on her shoulders. I pulled her a little closer to me.

"Shizuru you need to tell me. What is it your hiding from me?" I said to her in a soft-spoken voice. I thought if I acted like I cared in that moment, that she would trust me. That's when it hit me. I knew what I could say that would really get to her. (I feel awful about doing this but she's leaving me no choice.)

"Shizuru please. If I mean anything to you at all . . . I mean you said you love me. So if you do love me you could tell me right? Didn't last night mean anything to you?" (I feel like a jackass but I don't see any other way.) Shizuru looks up at me with saddened eyes.

"Natsuki you know . . . last night was a mistake. It was all a mistake!" (What? No, she can't mean that! No she has to be messing with me.)

"But Shizuru . . . Shizuru I love you. So – –

"No! Natsuki. It was all a big misunderstanding." (Misunderstanding?! You've got to be joking!)

"That's a lie! And you know it! You wouldn't be saying that unless there was something you didn't want me to find out about." Shizuru shook her head. She then tried to push herself away from me. But I just held onto her tighter. I put my arms around her embracing her, and she hugged me back. But just a few seconds later she pushed me away again, the hug went just as fast as it came.

"Natsuki. I'm sorry I really am. But I can't do this with you right now. It isn't a good time."

"Then when is a good time? Shizuru please I really need to know if you and Kanzaki are . . . I need to know what it was he did or said to you to make you act this way." Shizuru glanced at the ground then back up at me.

"Natsuki just trust me." She said bluntly. She started to head off again toward the door, but I ran in front of her and stopped her. It reminded me of the time when I stopped Nao from walking away from me. I wasn't about to let her go either. I stood my ground blocking her way.

"Natsuki! Stop this. I told you I can't do this right now."

"No, but I can."

"Why are you so persistent?"

"It's just the way I am. I don't give up, and I won't give up until you– –

"Shizuru! There you are! I've been looking for you." (The sound of his voice made me cringe. He's just like Fumi, coming at the wrong time always. I can't stand him! He says he's been looking for her . . . yeah right. He was probably chatting up some of the hostesses in there.)

"Reito. I'm sorry I didn't know– –

"Forget it. It's fine now. We should get back inside though. Are you coming along Ms. Kuga?"

"Do I have a choice?" I sighed. When he asked that. I really did feel like he was giving me a choice. Like he was telling me though instead of asking.

"Would you rather stay out here then?" I nodded and smiled.

"Yeah I would. Any place where you are not is very pleasing." Reito gritted his teeth. But then he smirked.

"Well that's a shame. I thought we were getting along quite well. Besides I'm about to begin my announcement you know. I think you should really hear what I have to say." Reito's smirk turned into an evil grin. I knew he was up too no good.

"Fine. I'll be in, in a minute."

Great. Shizuru shall we go in now?" She nodded. Reito took Shizuru by her arm and led her inside. Shizuru and I both looked at each other once more before she vanished from my sight. I think she was trying to tell me something, but what I still don't know. (Probably something to do with Kanzaki I'm sure. It still bugged me though about what she said. But did she really mean that? Was everything we did a mistake? Do I not mean a thing to her?) I wondered about that. I seriously did. I knew somehow she wasn't telling the truth.

I made my way back into the ballroom. I stood at the top of the steps by the balcony. I saw as everyone else gathered around the main staircase. I looked up at the top to see what everyone was staring at to see, Kanzaki with Shizuru by his side standing at the top. Kanzaki had his arm around Shizuru's waist and pulled her closer to him, but from what I could see she didn't look to happy about him touching her. I looked on with disgust as Kanzaki was about to begin his announcement.

"Hello everyone. Thank you all for joining us here tonight on this special occasion." (Occasion huh? Why do I feel the need to vomit when he said that? But I guess I should listen to what he has to say.)

"First off I would like to thank everyone for coming. This is a very big night in more ways then one. And thanks to Mr. Viola for putting this together." (Geez, what a ham. But I guess he's right. Shizuru's dad is holding this Gala as a charity event. But I wonder for what charity? Knowing him probably for anonymous drivers trying to run over helpless girls. I don't care what he or anyone else says . . . I still can't let that go.)

(I never forgave Reito for that. But then again how could anyone forgive me for what I did. The past is past and there is nothing I could do about that anymore. I still wish I could have done something. I was right there but, but I couldn't hang on.)

"And I would also like to thank him for blessing me with his beautiful daughter's hand in marriage. If it wasn't for him or his beloved late wife . . . I wouldn't have Shizuru." He then gave Shizuru a kiss on the cheek. (Agh! This guy's asking for it! He just . . . he just knows how to push my buttons! And I was the one who was going to tell her that! I can't believe he stole my line!) I clenched my fists so tight that my nails were digging into the palms of my hands. I surprised I didn't draw blood from that.

"So as you all know Shizuru and I are in engaged and have been for a while. But that ends tonight as I would like to announce that Shizuru and I have finally decided to get married! (SAY WHAT?!) I was just flabbergasted. I couldn't believe my ears. (Did he just say what I think he said? Oh man, come on! Shizuru . . . did she agree to this?) It's what Kanzaki said right after that really got to me.

"In just one week Shizuru Viola will become my wife! And I hope everyone that is here tonight will join us on our wedding day!" Everybody in the ballroom started cheering and clapping . . . while I just stood there with a dumbfounded expression on my face. Actually I felt like I had just been slapped in the face, not once . . . but ten times. (ARE YOU FREAKIN' SERIOUS?! IN JUST ONE WEEK! SERIOUSLY?! How can things possibly go from bad to worst?) (I didn't know it then but in just a few short minutes it was going to get a lot worst . . . for me anyway. But I thought how can things possibly get worst then they did? I still can't believe he just sprang that on everyone like he did.)

I smacked my hand against my forehead. I felt sick to my stomach. I thought I was really going to hurl all over the place just then. (And Shizuru. How could she do that? Just standing there acting like it was nothing for him do say all that. I know everyone expects her to marry the guy but . . . so soon. And why now of all things? If you ask me it seems a little rushed . . . or maybe in his case convenient.)

Reito and Shizuru had come down to make the rounds to everyone. Greeting them and shaking hands and no less congratulating them as well. As I was trying to keep myself from blowing chunks (didn't realize it was going to affect me so much like it was) a young waiter with a tray full of wine glasses was passing me by. I put my arm out in front of him.

"Oh I'm sorry. Did you want one Miss?"

"Yeah I sure do." I picked up a glass that had sparkling champagne in it. I took a few quick gulps. The waiter started to walk away again when I stopped him once more. I yanked him gently by the neck of his collar.

"Slow down there kid. I think maybe you should stick around for a little while. I'm going to be needing refills."

"But Miss, I really can't – –

"Fifty bucks says you can." I pulled my stack of money from my pants pocket. Little did I know fifty was all I had on me.

"Sure Miss! No problem!" The young waiter said grinning from ear to ear. A few minutes passed by as I saw Reito and Shizuru making their way upstairs. I had no idea where they were going so I decided to follow after. I placed my fourth (very empty) glass back on the tray and started to head off.

"Hey wait a minute. Miss what about my fifty?"

"I'll email it to you!"

"What the hell do you mean by that?!" I was trying to hurry up and not draw any attention to myself. One reason being I wanted to find out where those two were heading. The second reason was because of that stupid waiter and with his yelling he grabbed the attention of Fumi. Who was making her way over into our direction. I couldn't afford a showdown with her right now.

Unfortunately I looked back. (I know I shouldn't have.) The stupid waiter was ratting me out to Fumi and even pointed toward me.

"Shit now what? She'll be able to spot me not problem." Just then some woman bumped into me.

"Hey watch it!"

"Uh, sorry. Wait a minute! You bumped into me!" (Dammit I should keep quiet.)

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing sorry. Hey you using your mask?"

"Well I – – Hey!" I yanked the mask right off her face. And placed it on my own, hoping to blend in more with the people around me.

"Thank you!" I ran passed some people trying to duck out of Fumi's sight in the mean time. But she was fast, she was right on top of me. I hunkered down on the floor just for a few seconds until she passed me by. I hid right behind some woman's big puffy dress. It had ruffles and ribbons all over it. (Kind of reminds me of being back in Fumi's closet.) As soon as I didn't see her any more I headed right for those stairs.

(I can't believe I just sold that woman's mask, and right off her face! I've reverted into nothing more then a thief. Well not fully. I seriously need to break that habit of mine too.) I walked down the corridors. I followed them right to Shizuru's room. The door was cracked open, but just a little. I got a little closer because I could swear I heard voices from behind the door. I kicked the door. It flung open wide to revile . . . that no one was inside.

"What the hell? I swore I heard voices." I looked around the darkened room and came to realize that it wasn't people's voices, but voices coming from the stereo in her room.

"Son of a bitch! I don't believe this! Agh! Dammit! And what was I thinking? Kicking open the door like that. Probably wanted revenge for not being able to kick Fumi's door down. Nevertheless, I need to find them. If they aren't here where else could they be?"

I raced out of the room and back down the hall. I must have gone down three different halls by then. I looked in every room on the way. I even looked back in Fumi's room (which I wasted a little time there checking out that closet door. I was able to knock it down . . . after I unlocked it.) But no sign of them. I looked in the library, then I went to look in that game room. I figured I just take a chance. Finally it hit me. (Of course! Why didn't I think of that before? I have to go to Shizuru's father's study. I know they must be in there.) I ran back downstairs and took a sharp left down the hall. I ran to the study and busted down the door. (Okay I need to stop kicking down doors. I'm just still really mad about that whole closet thing I guess.)

As soon as I kicked open the door both, Shizuru and Reito quickly faced my way. They both looked surprised though but also annoyed. I still couldn't put my finger on it but soon enough. I was about too.

"Who the hell are you?" Reito said angrily as he walked closer to me.

"I'm Zorro! Who do you think?" I took off my mask to show the moron it was me. Reito sneered at me and took out something from his pocket. He hid it behind his back so quickly that I couldn't make out what it was.

"You're too late Natsuki. Your days of getting in my way ends here! Once and for all!" Reito lunged at me so rapidly that I had no time to react so instead I found myself pinned hard on my back to the floor. Reito grabbed a hold of my neck gripping my neck tightly that I was starting to choke. I grabbed onto his wrist and tried to pull his hand away but I couldn't.

I felt so weak. I was gasping for air when I saw Kanzaki pull out what it was he had behind his back. It was a pocketknife. He held it high above his head. I tried to get him off me again kicking my legs and punching his arm, but it wasn't working. For some bizarre reason this guy all of sudden was like freaking Hercules. He couldn't feel any pain either. The only thing I thought about in the moment was . . .

(IS THIS GUY REALLY TRYING TO FREAKING KILL ME?! OH MY GOD! HE'S INSANE!!) I looked into his dark cold eyes, and saw the movement of his hand with the knife. He was about to strike. (Is this the end for me? No way it can't end like this! Why can't I move this guy off of me?!) Kanzaki plunged the knife down which was about to reach my chest when suddenly . . . nothing. I opened my eyes to see that he just stopped not even an inch from my chest. I felt the tip of the knife on my skin. I looked up quickly to see that Shizuru was holding onto his neck trying to pull him back from me.

"What do you think your doing?!"

"Stop it! Reito! Don't kill her!!" Shizuru pulled him off of me just enough that he let go of my neck. And I was able to get loose from underneath him. I crawled backwards a little ways until I was far enough to stand up. Reito dropped the knife and put his arms behind him and forcefully pushed Shizuru off of him.

"SHIZURU!" Kanzaki pushed her so hard that she fell back and slammed hard up against the desk that was just a foot away from her. My feet started moving before I started thinking. All I wanted to do in that moment was make sure Shizuru wasn't seriously hurt. I tried to rush by her side but Reito punched me in my face knocking me to the floor. He really hit me hard because I tasted blood in my mouth. But I got up. I faced Reito and he faced me. I swirled the blood around it my mouth and then spit it at him. The blood landed right on his shoes.

"You think that was funny?" I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and smirked.

"Yeah for a second there . . . I thought it was hilarious."

"Good. Because it'll be the last funny thing, you do!" Reito quickly picked up the knife and lunged toward me again. I grabbed his wrist holding the knife just above both of our heads. He made a fist with his other hand and went into punch me again . . . but I moved my hand up to block him. We stood there trying to hold the other off with just brut strength (or whatever was left of mine) trying to push him in one diction while he pushed me in the other diction. (This can't be! W-why is he so much stronger than me?! I have to save Shizuru! No matter what!) It was the only thing on my mind at that time.

To save Shizuru, to save the woman I completely fell in love with. Kanzaki was starting to push me back and I was losing my hold on him. My legs were shaking and my feet were sliding against the hard wood-polished floor. (Damn this floor! They probably used Mop-N-Glow! Damn you Mop-N-Glow!) I looked up and noticed that Kanzaki was inching the knife closer and closer. So I did the next (and only) thing I could think of.

"Y-your about . . . ugh! To lose . . . Kanzaki!" I gritted my teeth. (I have to do this quickly or else it's game over for me! I only have one shot! Here goes everything!) I quickly let go of Reito's wrist and kicked my leg up high hitting his arm and knocking the pocketknife out of his hand. I then quickly ducked down and swept my leg in a fast motion hitting his legs and making him hit hard down onto the floor. (All right! It worked! Shit! Gotta get the knife!) I stood up and ran to get the knife. I then went back over to Kanzaki straddled myself over him. I did the same thing he did, I gripped onto his neck and held the knife over my head. But I wasn't aiming for his chest like he did mine . . . I was aiming for his head.

"Now what? How does it feel when someone else has the upper hand?! I won't let you hurt anyone any longer!" (Wait. What am I doing? I can't kill him . . . no matter how much I wish he was dead. If I do, I'll be no better then Kanzaki. I am not a murderer!)

"D-d-do it! D-Do It! K-kill– – Me!" Kanzaki was able to get a few words out as he gasped for air. (He's wants me to kill him? But I can't!)

"I can't! I CAN'T ! No matter how much I wish you were dead! I can't kill you!" With every fiber of my being I held back. It pained me to do so but at the same time I felt relief by not taking his life.

"Y-your . . . WEAK!"

"No! I'm stronger for it! No human on this earth has the right to take the life of another! No matter the situation! And I won't do it to satisfy a man like you! You wanna die? Then go die on your own time!" I dropped the knife and released Kanzaki. I looked over to Shizuru to see that she was still unconscious. I got off of Reito and ran over by Shizuru side. I held her in my arms gently.

"Shizuru? Shizuru wake up! Come on wake up!" I shook her gently as I pleaded for her to wake up. Shizuru opened her eyes slowly. She greeted me with a smile.

"Natsuki . . ." I smiled back at her. He lifted her hand to the side of my face. I rested my hand on hers.

"Shizuru your save now. I won't let anyone hurt you." But I thought wrong. I saw Shizuru's eyes widen and heard footsteps behind me. I quickly let go of Shizuru and dodge out of the way. Kanzaki missed and plunged the knife into the desk. He soon pulled it out and faced me once again.

"You made a big mistake Kuga. And now you'll pay for it!" He walked closer to me and I just kept crawling backwards. I crawled all the way until I hit the wall. (Aw dammit! I'm screwed! I backed myself into a corner literally . . . with no way out!) Kanzaki walked up closer to me as close as he could have gotten. He stood just over my legs.

"Goodbye Ms. Kuga. I really will miss you. But don't worry Shizuru and I will come visit you." (Is that what he meant that day? When he said "liked" he really meant it. He knew I was going to die . . . and by his hand. What a way to go out. This really sucks but what can I do?! I was never able to do anything! I'm the worst protector ever!)

"This is the end!" I closed me eyes tightly. (Nao . . . Shizuru. I'm sorry to both of you. And I'm sorry I never got to really tell Shizuru how much I loved her. And how I still love you to Nao. I forgive you. I forgive you for sleeping with this demented moron!) But instead of feeling the sharp knife pierce my flesh, all I heard was a granting noise. I opened one eye to see what had happened. My first thought was maybe Shizuru got back up and clocked him in the head . . . that wasn't the case. Reito had trusted the knife into himself. I saw the blood trickling out from his stomach. I opened both my eyes widely.

"A-ARE YOU INSANE?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" (He's totally lost it! Reito Kanzaki is insane!)

"Hehehe . . . no Ms. Kuga. I just have the upper hand." He pulled the knife out slowly and tossed it aside. He then back up and stumbled over to Shizuru. I quickly got up and ran in front of him. Putting myself between him and Shizuru.

"Don't you dare touch her! Don't you ever touch her again!" No matter how brave I thought I was being . . . I was also being foolish. As I stood my ground, staring Reito in his eyes I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked to the side of me.

"Shizuru? You all right?"

"I–I'm sorry . . . Natsuki."

"Sorry? What are you ––– AAGGHH!" The next thing I knew (and felt) I was on the floor again. My head was pounding. Shizuru had hit me in the head with something very hard and heavy. I looked up at both Kanzaki and Shizuru.

"S-Shizuru . . . w-why?"

"HAHAHAHA! You're a fool Kuga! Do you honestly think she gives a damn about you?!" Reito bent down and whispered in my ear.

"That night you spent with her my dear, was the last night you'll ever spend with her. I win." The last thing I heard was both Kanzaki and Shizuru walking nonchalantly out of the room. And the door closing behind them. Everything went dark.

No No I was totally Kidding! It won't be the last Chapter and there was no Flammer! (To bad April Fool's is long Gone)
Sorry I really am. I know, I know compelet JackHole over here. I do apologoze to all the readers who have enjoyed this story and stuck with it. (Please don't be mad and give some nice reviews . . . okay? :-C ) :?D