Chapter 6
Feel free to kill me for taking me soooo long to update.. i just got a new laptop since my old laptop has gone to heaven bringing my saved datas with it. I am so sorry.
Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime and Level Up. If I had won the lottery then maybe..
Special thanks to jquackers.. yes i said november but i had no control on my moms decicion when to buy me new laptop. hahaha.
Okay, Midori have been playing RF Online with Natsuki for years and never had she seen the navy haired girl look at monitor like she won the lottery, not to mention the tears that were now threatening to fall from her eyes.
Wait a minute?... Tears?
Midori did a double take at what she saw. She had been doing this double taking for the past few days and she still wasn't used to it. She quickly went to Mai tapping the now dozing off orange head on the shoulder.
"Mai.." Midori whispered carefully, afraid that if she was to be any louder, she might disturb Natsuki from her "moment".
Mai opened her eyes and stared back at Midori… oh scratch that, she was "glaring" back at Midori from waking her up from her "nap". But before she could even open her mouth to shout at the red head, Midori immediately placed her hands on Mai's mouth effectively shutting her up.
"Shhh.. don't shout. " she hissed and pointed at the blunette. "Miss lover girl over there is crying her eyes out."
"Eh?"
If Midori had said that a few months ago, Mai would probably laughed her ass out since the idea of Natsuki even remotely close to showing her emotion is absurd. But after all those emotional rollercoaster that has happened to their dear friend this past few weeks, it wasn't that surprising but still needs getting used to.
The carrot head peeked from Midori's shoulder to see that Natsuki was indeed trying to control her tears from spilling. She found it endearing and sad at the same time. Endearing because after all the years that she has known the blunette, it was nice seeing her show some emotion, sad because of all the circumstances that Natsuki had to fall in love, why does it has to be with someone online. She knew that she and Midori are no better but this wasn't their first relationship. Mai had a few boyfriends and Midori had broken up with her "older" lover just a year before. But this was Natsuki's first. She and Midori wouldn't want Natsuki's first to be a total joke but seeing how Natsuki would smile, blush and even throw random tantrums around just like a highschooler in love, they just couldn't interfere.
"So what do you think? Tears of joy? Or just tears from staring at the monitor for so long?" Midori was curious. And the fact that the grand EB was just around the corner (It's gonna be tomorrow for crying out loud!) and the impending meeting between this mysterious IceQueen and Natsuki was adding to the excitement and worry.
"Joy I guess. But are you okay with this? You know, about Natsuki and IceQueen". Mai asked her voice filled with concern.
Midori sighed. "I guess so. However, if IceQueen turns out to be a total jerk, then maybe I could introduce him to and " showing her left and right fists.
"Hahaha. Yeah, I'll leave the beating to you, while I do the damage control".
The two shared a few minutes of laughter before going back to their respective places totally leaving Natsuki to her emo moment.
The following day, to say that Natsuki was excited was an understatement. First, she woke up before her newly bought alarm clock could do its job. Getting Natsuki to wake up just on time was one thing, but blunette to wake up before the alarm was praise worthy. Second was, she wasn't even in a foul mood for waking up so early. She even made herself sandwiches for breakfast and some for snacks during the Grand EB.
The event was still 3 hours away but here she was, going through her closet in search for something to wear. She wasn't even sure why she was making a fuss out of this but something tells her that she should look her best today. She called Mai to come over and help her pick an outfit which the red head gladly agreed to.
Ten minutes into the searching, the door to her room opened and Mai entered wearing khaki skirt, a white blouse and her good ol' white sneakers.
"So, how was it?" she ask as she sat herself on Natsuki's bed
"Disaster." The girl in question muttered. "Are you gonna wear that to today's event?" she added
"Yah, it's just an EB. How about you, what kind of outfit are you planning on wearing?"
Natsuki went through the pile of shirts and pants that she had sorted out. The ones on her bed were the ones she was considering on wearing. "I was thinking of wearing this moss green tee and this cream cargo pants." She held up the items she was referring to and showed them to her friend.
Mai thought for a bit. It was a nice combination in her opinion. It would be best to dress comfortably since she had a feeling that they would be doing a lot of walking and lining up.
"I think it's nice. And you should bring a hoody too, it would look better. What shoes are you going to wear?"
"That white one" Natsuki said while pointing at her white Adidas tennis shoes.
"Okay. I guess that fits."
Natsuki gathered all the items and placed them on her bed before returning the other unneeded clothes in her closet. Then she joined her friend and sat herself on the floor rather than on her bed since half of it was occupied by her stuff. Natsuki released a sigh that she's been holding. Mai hearing this, decided to join her friend. She sat beside her friend on the wooden floor while keeping her gaze at the poster of RF Online that hung just in front of them.
"So are you ready?" she asked.
Natsuki's shoulder slumped. Ready? She was excited but to say she was ready, she didn't know. But the need to see the person that made her happy for the past week overcomes the fear of being rejected (if that was ever gonna happen).
"I guess. I can't wait to see him. How about you?"
Mai brightened up on the question. "More than ever! She might be the one Natsuki. I have this gut feeling that she is something special"
The blunette did a double take. She? Did she hear Mai correctly?
"I though the one you're flirting with was a guy!" she asked quite shocked at the new information.
"I did not say something like that. But since we are on this topic, yes she is a girl and a very sweet one too!"
"I thought you were straight?"
"I am BI. When did I ever tell you that I was straight?"
Natsuki just stared at her dumbfounded. With the brain loading capacity of Natsuki, its best to leave things unanswered. Seeing that Natsuki was quiet, Mai stood up, ready to leave the room. She needed to get home and get her camera. Times like this, picture taking is a must.
"Since I have rendered you immobilized, I think I should make use of the extra time and get the camera from the house."
Before Natsuki could process what just happened, Mai had already slipped out. She released another long sigh before standing up and went to the bathroom.
After a much deserved shower, Natsuki changed into her outfit, tying her hair in a high pony. She then collected a few of her items like her hand towel, her wallet, her keys and her cellphone. Upon picking up the last item, the thing vibrated, alerting its owner that she just received a message. She opened it to find that it was from her mom. Her mom seldom sends her messages so it must be important.
Message: Nat-chan, could you be a dear and attend the board meeting in behalf of your mother. She slipped on the floor early this morning and we are on our way to the hospital to have her broken arm fixed. I myself could not attend for I have to take care of your mom. It would only take a few hours. – Aunt Maria.
The gamers eyebrow twitch after reading the message. "How the hell did she manage to slip when we have carpeted floors?"
Seeing that she had no other choice, she hurried out and rode her ducatti to the hospital. She would pay her mom a visit first and get the files needed from her aunt, and maybe have a "little" word with her mother before heading towards their company office.
The trip to the hospital wasn't long since it was near where Natsuki lived. After parking her ride, she proceeded to the nurse's station.
"What room is Mrs. Saeko Kuga admitted?" she asked.
Looking up from the paper she was looking at, the nurse at the desk immediately blushed at the blunette standing before her. "R..room 27 mam"
Natsuki just gave her a nod before going on her way not even sparing another glance at blushing nurse.
Upon entering the said room, she was greeted by the sight of her mom, lying on the hospital bed with her left foot wrapped in a cast and was hanging with the aid of a sling on a pole while reading what seemed to be report that she was suppose to get.
"I thought you broke your arm?" she asked as she walked inside the room. Her aunt Maria was peeling apples beside her mom's bed.
Saeko gave a sheepish smile while Maria huffed. "Your mother broke her foot because she tried riding your sister's rollerblades!"
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously. The next thing I knew, she plowed through the living room, taking the CD rack with her. Who in their right mind would do such a thing and in the house too!"
Natsuki couldn't contain the laughter that she has been suppressing as soon as she saw her mom's condition. She was now on the floor, holding her sides while laughing her heart out
"Mou Nat-chan, you don't have to laugh that hard." Saeko whined as she tried to snap her daughter out of her laughing state.
"B..But mom *ha ha ha ha* Alyssa's rollerblades? *ha ha ha ha* I should have seen it!" the young Kuga tried to say in between her snickering.
The mother just pouted knowing that she couldn't deny the truth that she in fact did something utterly stupid. But hey, the rollerblades was just there, beckoning her to try it on… which wasn't the smartest thing to do.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Natsuki stood up and sat herself at the chair beside her mom. "So does Alyssa know?"
"Oh she does" Maria answered seeing as Saeko was still pouting and was acting very much like a kid who was being scolded by her parents. "She was furious that her mom touched her precious rollerblades" the older woman added.
"Nobody cares about me anymore" Saeko grumbled still sporting the famous Kuga pout.
Natsuki rolled her eyes at her mom's complaining. Middle aged women. "If I didn't care, I shouldn't be here you know. I was supposed to be somewhere else."
Saeko raised an eyebrow before asking where her daughter might have planned to be.
"You have a date Nat-chan?"
"Date?" The young Kuga sputtered. "I was going to an EB event today with Mai and Midori"
"Oh, and here I was hoping that by the end of the day, you would bring home a cute girl with you" Saeko teased followed by a snicker coming from her aunt.
"Wha.. What? You know what, give me those reports. I'm outta here!"
The young Kuga snatched the said papers from her mothers lap and proceeded to stomp towards the door. "Don't worry about Alyssa, she'll be staying the night with me or Mai" she added before slamming the door behind her.
"Natsuki should be more honest with herself" Maria said still peeling apples.
Saeko let a smile don her face. "But it's nice seeing her so carefree. I wonder what's the cause of her sudden shift in mood"
"I think it's a "who""
"Natsuki where are you?"
"I'm sorry Mai but I have a meeting to attend to, you and Midori could go ahead. I'll just catch up with you" Natsuki answered through her cellphone. Right after she left the hospital, Mai called. Her best friend was supposed to ride with her to the event but since there was this meeting she had to attend to, Mai has to ride with Midori.
"How long would it take?"
Looking at her watch she gave a heavy sigh. "Around 3 hours tops. As much as I hate to attend meetings Mai, I have no other option. Mom is momentarily incapacitated while Aunt Maria is taking care of her."
"Ahh. It's okay Natsuki, I think the event won't be over until around 3 a.m anyway. So we'll just meet you there?"
"Yah. See you later"
"Bye"
Pocketing her phone, she went to her parked ducatti and drove towards their company. Their company office stood at the heart of Fuuka city. It's a tall modern building that served as the main office of the Kuga Corporation. Natsuki seldom go to this place, only when it's really, really necessary like today. She hated meetings with passion and would avoid it as much as possible.
Upon arriving at the said establishment, she parked her motorcycle at a reserved parking space which was rarely used. She took the folder from her compartment before going inside the said building eager to get on with the meeting. The earlier the meeting ends, the earlier she goes to the event.
At the Fuuka Trade Center where the event was being held:
The two arrived just in time as the staffs of LU were allowing participants to go in. Both bolted out of the car and ran towards the entrance lining up afraid to be left behind.
The music is blaring, the stage was well decorated and wide TV screens were scattered all over the place. Booths from different online games were all lined up offering different activities for the participants. Mascots were roaming around handing out pamphlets and other paraphernalia's to the gamers. Looking around the place, Midori immediately spotted the booth that she was looking for. She grabbed the orange head beside her and dragged her towards the said booth.
The booth was well decorated. Different posters and drawings were hanging outside. In the middle of the booth was a rack where all their merchandise is all lined up. From t-shirts to pins, name it they have it, just outside stood a mini replica of a MAU. Mai couldn't help but gush over the said thing.
"Ne Midori-chan, could you take a picture of me with Mau-kun" she said as she handed the red head her camera which the latter gladly receive.
"Sure, now say RAID!" Mai took her position and strike a pose for the camera.
"RAID"
This went on for a couple of minutes, with Midori also having her picture taken with the damn thing too (she even borrowed one of the lance replicas from the staff and took a pose with it), until someone from the stage cleared his throat, obviously to take everyone's attention.
The people inside the place stopped form whatever they were doing and focused their attention to the man on the stage. After seeing that he has everyone's attention, he proceeded to whatever he was going to say.
"Good Morning everyone. Welcome to the Level Up Games Grand EB event, I am Sakomizu Cardinal also known as GM Afro and we are gonna be together until sunrise!" He took a paper from his vest and adjusted his glasses. "I know that you are excited about today's activities so here I am to announce them." The screen behind him turned on and the itinerary for the day was flashed on it. The GM continued on explaining everything. Mai and Midori only listened to a few of it but wasn't really interested in other games.
"At 3pm we would be presenting the Top 5 Best Players of RF Online. The results were based on your votes and their overall record." GM Afro continued.
A lot of the participants cheered upon hearing the announcement. This was one of the events that most were waiting for.
"I know I know. You get to meet the people behind these famous characters. As for now, please enjoy looking around and feel free to participate at the activities being offered by each booth. I heard that Ragnarok Online booth is offering free wall climbing,. "ted a booth just beside a vending machine. It was made out of bamboo and coconut leaves. right so hurry up and have those tickets stamped. The more stamps you get, the more freebiez you'll receive!"
After the said announcement, everyone went back to whatever they were doing previously. Mai and Midori were now roaming around the place, looking for the booth that their Guild had put up. MyNeedleIsSharper said something about planning on putting up a booth for their guild together with BnycOrBkild and that was what the two were searching for. They walk past many interesting booths some even sparked Mai's interest (or was it just because of the food). After walking for not so long, they spotted a booth just beside a vending machine. It was made out of bamboo and coconut leaves. Right outside stood a sign board that says "HIME SENTAI GUILD". Midori's smile widened and literally skipped towards it. Mai was a little shy, thinking that finally she gets to see the people she was playing with online in person.
"Nao, have you brought the posters with you?" came a woman's voice from inside the booth.
A grunt was heard followed by a curse. "Dammit! Stupid nails! Yes, I have. They are by the boxes over there"
Midori tried peeking inside the booth while clearing up her throat. "Excuse me" she called out. Mai stood right beside her waiting for the person or persons to walk out of the stall.
Shuffling could be heard before someone walked out. It was a woman with shoulder length purple hair. From her looks, she could be around Midori's age (no, not seventeen. Around her mid twenties). She was wearing a red tank top under a blue jacket and a pair of jeans.
"May I help you?"
Midori stood frozen on her spot. Ah beautiful! Her eyes are locked on the woman in front of her. Right then and there, she knew it was MyNeedleIsSharper.
"Ah yes, we are members of the guild too!" Mai interrupted rather enthusiastically. Her shyness was momentarily forgotten. The woman's eyes instantly lit up upon hearing it.
"O thank goodness, I was worried that no one might come. I'm Youko Sagisawa by the way aka MyNeedleIsSharper. It's a pleasure meeting you". She took Mai's hand and shook it. She was contemplating on shaking hands with Midori but decided against it. The woman seemed to have solidified right in front of her. She then turned her attention back to the booth and called her companion. "Nao come here for a second. Hurry!"
Out came a girl with short red hair. She seemed to around Mai's age. She was wearing a white hanging long sleeved top and a black skirt that was too short in Mai's opinion. She looked at the two and smirked. "Nao Yuuki, also known as BnycOrBkild." She held her hands out towards the orange head. "Nice meeting you". Mai took her hand and shook it.
"Same here." Looking at her companion who seemed to have her eyes glued to Youko, she elbowed her strong enough to send her back to reality, which was effective.
Midori shook her head and instantly held her hand out to the person in front of her.
"Hi, My name is Midori aka, Gokutenou"
Youko gasped at first, shocked that the person she was waiting to meet was right in front of her but upon taking Midori's hands, she smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you". Midori returned the smile with equal fervor and sweetness.
Nao and Mai's sweat drop at what's happening in front of them. "O..oi"
"So, you haven't introduced yourself yet" Nao asked Mai after getting annoyed at watching the two (Youko and Midori).
"Oh I'm sorry, I am Mai Tokiha also known as IronChef"
"Huwa! You are the one who gave me the armor set!" Nao was pleasantly surprised.
Mai just grinned at her sheepishly.
"So shall we talk inside while we are waiting for the others?" Youko proposed.
At the Kuga Corporation Main Office:
Natsuki and her mother's secretary Miyu Greer sat on the table while waiting for the clients to arrive. She was early so to speak and the clients were due to arrive within five minutes.
"So who are these people Miyu?"
Miyu opened the folder she was holding and placed it in front of the gamer.
"They are from the Fujino Group, Ojou-sama. They are here to discuss about the joint project which they proposed to you mother"
She had read about it. The joint project was about an invention developed by two scientist named Sagisawa and Woods and that they would be financing their works together with the Fujino Group.
"Hmmm.. Have you met them before?"
"Yes"
"And?"
"Based on my analysis and research, they are to be trusted"
"Good. That's all I need to hear"
Before the two could go on with their conversation, a knock was heard and the girl from the outside desk walked in. "Mam, the visitors have arrived"
"Please send them in"
Two women and a man in neat business suit entered the room. One was a blond woman, with fringed bangs and was wearing a white polo shirt under a cream colored business jacket and a pencil cut skirt. The other was a brunette wearing spectacles and had the same outfit as the blond woman. The guy on the other hand wore a well tailored black business suit. His hair was well combed and was sporting a smile that any girl would fawn upon, but we know Natsuki is not just any other girl. He was quite surprised to see a young girl in the meeting room instead of meeting an older woman he had met a few days ago. He held out his hand as he introduced himself.
"Good day Mam, I am Reito Kanzaki from the Fujino Group. Together with Miss Suzushiro and Miss Kikukawa, we are here to discuss about the joint project"
Reito?
The blunette took the offered hand and shook it and introduced herself just for formality sake. Even though she rarely goes to meetings like this, she does know how to be courteous and all the shit that goes with it.
"My name is Natsuki Kuga, daughter of Saeko Kuga. I apologize if my mother could not join us today for she is in the hospital recuperating. "
"Ahh too bad. If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your mother?"
Natsuki pondered a bit, thinking if she should tell the truth or just construct a small white lie.
"She uhmm.. broke her arm"
"Ahh that is indeed unfortunate."
"If you are worried of having Ojou-sama here instead of Saeko-sama, you need not to worry. Her power over the corporation is pretty much the same as her mother's. So we are going on the meeting as planned" Miyu interrupted. The secretary did this not be rude but to clarify things early on. To her, Natsuki is capable as much as her mom is.
Reito was quite taken aback but he understood perfectly. "We understand. So shall we begin?" he asked as he took his briefcase and took some files from it. Yukino opened her laptop while some of Natsuki's personnel set up the projector.
Sitting on her chair, she stared at the man before her. Reito? Is he the same Reito? His demeanor. The way he talks. And the fact the he is here on a meeting. (A/N remember when IceQueen had to attend a meeting too)It's like her Reito. But talking to him didn't give her any butterflies. She wasn't even giddy. This must be a different person she assumed but that didn't stop her from asking.
"Kanzaki-san, do you happen to play online games?"
Miyu and the two other girls with them were quite surprised but the man in question just smiled.
"Ah yes as a matter of fact I am."
Natsuki raised her eyebrows. "RF Online?"
Reito's smile widened. "Yes. And you?"
"Yes. What race?" Natsuki was trying to suppress her eagerness. Bellato?
"Cora. How about you Miss Kuga?"
Yep I was right. He is not my Reito. "Bellato sabouteur"
Reito continued to smile like he knew something. This bothered Natsuki a bit. Did this man know her?
Ah so this is Natsuki. Nice catch my dear cousin. "I am a Summoner. I heard that there's gonna be a Grand EB event today. Are you going?"
"Yes. I was hoping after the meeting that is."
"So am I. We could go together. Miss Kikukawa here is also an avid player of RF Online and she also wanted to go"
Natsuki's eyes lit up at the idea. "That would be great!"
"So then, shall we begin?"
After three hours of talking, showing of presentations and explanations, Reito and Natsuki stood up and shook hands, happy that the meeting was finally over.
"We'll be looking forward on working with you and your team Kanzaki-san"
The man addressed gave a wide smile. "Same here Kuga-san, I'm sure the head of the our team would be so pleased knowing that you finally agreed on doing this joint project"
Natsuki grew curious at this mysterious team leader that Reito has been mentioning during their meeting. She had been aware that Reito was only second in command and the Fujino Group team leader was in another meeting.
"This team leader of yours, when am I going to meet him?" Natsuki asked as she let go of Reito's hand.
"Ah yes, you will meet 'her' soon. She greatly expressed her disappointment when she knew she could not join us in this meeting today but she said is really looking forward in working with Kuga-san."
Natsuki smiled at the thought. A girl huh. "You do know Kanzaki-san that you'll be working with my mother and her team"
"I am but she was hoping that you could somehow join us during the process"
"Well, I'll try my best to join you then, that is if I can peel myself off my computer during the summer break" the bluenette smirked.
Reito gave a hearty laugh. "I am too are having the same sentiment as you Kuga-san. Sometimes I wished that I could manage my work life while playing but we all know that we have to separate fantasy from the real world"
Natsuki nodded. She too had the same belief but sometimes when you are too immersed in the game, it is hard to let go of fantasy when your real life is not as enjoyable. "Yes, it is true. But somehow we still really wanted to have a little part of that fantasy to happen in reality."
Reito gave her a knowing look which somehow bothered Natsuki. "A part of fantasy? Something like love Kuga-san?"
Natsuki was surprised. Somehow Reito managed to zero in her thoughts. She didn't know what could have given Reito an idea but the man's ability to pick up on things quickly somehow worried her a little.
"I… I uhmm…"
"Friendship." The girl with messy brown hair interjected as she neared the two. Somehow she had finished typing the revisions for the project and already had her laptop tucked in her bag. She caught some of the conversation and wanted to give her opinion. Her sudden interruption stopped the two from their conversation and left the two confused but the two did not take any offence on the action.
"What do you mean Kikukawa-san?" Reito asked curious on what his teammate had on her mind.
Yukino gave Natsuki a shy smile before continuing. "Friendship is one of the things that could cross the boundaries of in-game fantasy to reality. We had unknowingly made friends based on the person's personality and without being influenced by how the person looks like. In a way you are being sincere and in a way you are not which makes it exciting isn't it? We wanted to know if one is speaking the truth about their selves but at the same time we were hoping that what they said were true and wish for something more"
That hit home on what Natsuki really felt. People always think that in-game life is nothing but lies, established in fantasies which we create to protect us from the harsh reality. However Natsuki sees it in a different way. Fantasies are created by people. These are the dreams and things that they wanted to do in reality but can't so they resort to immersing their fantasies in gaming. But if that was the case, what you are in-game is probably the real you and what you are like in real life is just an act projected to please people. Yes it was fantasy but you are being you.. the real you.
"I agree with you Kikukawa-san. So I do get that you are pretty excited on going to the EB?" Natsuki asked.
By this time, the bluenette had started walking towards the door prompting the two to follow. The rest of the people had already gone outside and they were the only ones left. Miyu already left ahead for she had to inform the rest of the staff for the incoming project.
"Yes I am. I have wanted to meet a few people who had helped me and thank them personally"
"Oh.. Then shall we head on? I have two people already waiting for me at the event and would probably kill me if I was late" the bluenette joked.
The three was joined by Suzushiro to the parking lot heading to their vehicles. Reito offered Natsuki a ride but she declined as she motioned towards her motorcycle. The two vehicles headed towards the EB event.
Inside Reito's car:
Reito answered his ringing phone.
"Are you on your way to the event my dear cousin?" said an accented voice from the other line.
Reito chuckled earning curious glances from his companions.
"Yes Shizuru I am, together with Haruka and Yukino. Mikoto texted me earlier to tell that she is already at the event."
"My my, she must be pretty excited."
"Yes she was. She had been talking nonstop about this event and how she wanted to finally meet the person she had been talking to for the past month."
"Then I guess we should hurry as well no?"
"Is the meeting with your father finished?"
"Yes but I will be a little late. He wanted me to arrange a few things but I will be there before 3pm"
There was a slight pause before Reito answered.
"Are you ready Shizuru?" Reito teased with a hint of worry.
"I have been since the beginning." Shizuru's voice was full of determination.
Reito smiled. Yes he was worried about what might happen after the event. Their identities would be revealed after all (although Level Up gave them the option to remain anonymous, Reito thought it would just defeat the purpose). But after meeting Natsuki, his worries evaporated.
Reito released a long sigh. "Then you should look forward Shizuru. I think this event will turn out just fine." He looked towards his friends. "Do you think so too Yukino?"
The girl in question beamed. "Of course"
Let clear things up since some of you must find small information deviation from the game. This story started before the game was update to having a level cap 65, but i might adopt it in the succeeding chapters. Im still not sure but i am thinking about it.
If you have questions please do ask.