Hey thanks for all the wonderful reviews and comments, and I'm glad you're enjoying this fanfic:) I have also done a fan art piece for this story of Natsuki in her Samurai outfit, check it out on my profile page in the future:)

I do not own Mai Hime etc

Chapter 3

Shizuru dreamt that night of a unsettling dream. She was being chased by a black demon with fire like eyes of deep crimson, and teeth as sharp as arrow heads through a bamboo forest. Out of breath she tripped, skidding and ripping her green kimono. Her leg was bleeding, but she had to run. She had to get away from the black shadow demon. It then snarled her name, screaming "SHIZURU!" Which Echoed around the forest, she then cried out as it neared. But then a blue whitening light surrounded her, and a wolf howled, jumping over her form, tackling the dark figure as it killed the demon. It had blood dripping from its jaws, and then it's emerald eyes gazed into hers.

She jolted, awakening herself. She sat in her familiar futon, with silk see through sheets that surrounded the bed post. Her heart pounded and she panted, still shook up over that dream. She whispered to herself, "ara, ara"

The sun was rising, shinning over the beautiful garden where the cherry blossom trees began to bloom in the early April month. She slid into her sandals before retying her nightgown of white silk, and walking over to the door to make her way to the lounge, where her okasan would be waiting for her. Her white nightgown fitted her form perfectly, and her chestnut hair hung ever so beautifully down her back, even though it was probably messy from her distressed sleep.

Opening the door, sliding it to the side. Her okasan was already sitting there drinking green tea. She nodded, saying "I hope you slept well, you have a many activities to carry out today." Shizuru smiled, and replied in a soft voice. "What events await me today?" As she sat opposite the table as her legs kneeled on a purple pillow, she inhaled the luxurious smell of green tea. She watched her okasan carefully, used to the silence between them, when her okasan replied "There will be a tea ceremony with Haruka Suzushiro san and Yukino Kikukawa san, as I hope we can benefit form their support. Also I want you to give a demonstration to some fellow acquaintances of mine. I hope it will impress them."

Shizuru sipped her tea, welcoming the warm delight that intoxicated her so, before smiling at her okasan. Her face always kept a perfect smile to deceive other. It was very deadly manipulation power in the right hands, but Shizuru always done as her okasan asked, to please her. Silence filled the room, both in a world of their own thoughts, when Tomoe tapped the door opening it slowly, before bowing her head saying "excuse me Shizuru Hime, Viola sama, but I just received a message from Kanzaki Sama

Shizurus eyebrows arched as Tomoe gently held it in both hands towards Shizuru, bowing. Shizuru smiled saying, "ookini Tomoe your excused." Tomoe then blushed before exiting.

Using a letter opener that's handle was made of gold, encrusted in rubies. She carefully opened the letter. The letter was defiantly from Reito san and she frowned as it read,

My dearest Shizuru,

The sun rises and sets each day, and time continues on. I plan to visit next week and I would be delighted to see one of your infamous fan dances, would you be as delighted as me upon our meeting?

Yours,

Reito

Shizuru smiled, folding the note as she said, "ara Reito san will be joining us next week for a visit..." Silence filled the room once again, before her okasan said whilst imitating Shizuru's smile. "I want you to impress him. He is after all your future husband, we need a strong connection if you are to rule when he is absent."

Shizuru sighed quietly, she knew Reito was a perfect match for her. He was confident, intelligent, handsome even. But she just felt nothing, he was a acquaintance who was matched by her okasan for the two kingdoms to unite. Placing her perfected smile she replied, "I will welcome him kindly in our loving home." Both her and her okasan continued their breakfast in silence, until they left to their day to day activities.

Shizuru was dressed by Tomoe, who helped her brush her hair, pinning it. Folding and tieing her kimono and helping her with her makeup who occasionally blushed as her skin connected with her own. Shizuru gently held her hand, and led her in front of the princess. Shizuru held her chin with one hand saying, "ara ara, how delightful you look today na Tomoe?"

Tomoe blushed saying quietly, "arigato Shizuru hime." Before helping her to her feet from her chair in her bedroom, and walking behind her as they led to the guest room to Haruka and Yukino.

Yukino sat, with her legs under her, glasses falling from the edge of her nose in her yellow kimono. Whilst Haruka sat in a light green kimono, knees crossed in a impatient position with a scowl clearly upon her face.

When Tomoe opened the door and Shizuru in a pink flower pattered kimono entered, Haruka barked "what took you so long bubuzuke?" Shizuru smiled apologetically before answering, "gomenasai Haruka san but I did not anticipate how long it would take me to get ready." Haruka pouted and said angrily, "well I haven't got all day, I'll grow old from mating." Yukino blushed as she quietly said, "waiting." Correcting Haruka before smiling at Shizuru nervously, and continuing "Shizuru san I heard Kanzaki san will be visiting in the upcoming week?" Shizuru began making and preparing the tea, which sat on the table in front, before replying "you are correct." Silence filled the room as Yukino looked at Haruka. Haruka tapped her leg impatiently before snarling, "damn you bubuzuke, why do you sit here like some damn pet, following every order your okasan demands?"

Shizuru sighed, to then smile sadly saying, "Haruka arigato for your concern, but we both know it's what is expected of me and this kingdom, for my people." She poured the tea, hearing the relaxing sound, then soothed her mind. Haruka banged her hand on the table, which caused the cups to shake, as she spat out. "That's horse crap, and you know it!"

Yukino placed a hand on Haruka's shoulder which calmed her, making her fold her arms defensibly as Yukino said smiling apologetically. "What Haruka Chan means is, why do you not voice your wants and ambitions?" Shizuru pondered this, as she sipped her tea, thinking of how concerned her friends were. They all knew one another for a years now through political debating and sparring. Haruka always competed with her, if it was in flower arranging, sparring or even dancing. Although they both knew Shizuru would always be number one.

Shizuru gently said, "a bird that has been cadged all its life since birth is suddenly set free. How would it survive alone, in the unknown experiences of the world?"

Haruka frowned, thinking of an answer then she said. " Shizuru me and Yukino Chan are here for you... just remember that." Shizuru smiled, as she filled their teas replying, "arigato Haruka San."

After they left Shizuru had thought of her life, her twenty first birthday approached rapidly and she still had not experienced everything she wanted to do before she had to become queen, sighing as she walked through the palace corridors, she gazed out of a nearby window seeing some of the guards spar, training. Until a bird so beautiful in its appearance of golden yellow, it's feather tips were of a light tone of grey, with a unusual white circle that surrounded it's orange eyes, flew past and she thought how much she envied it, and wished to fly.

She vowed to herself to experience more of life than that of just royalty, and she planned to venture out beyond the walls of this palace as one of the cities people. Gently sliding the door sideways to the room, which her okasan asked her to visit. Many eyes all focused on her, all admiring her beauty and her skill. Tomoe held out her naginata bowing.

The candles in the room flickered as she danced for them. The long blade she gently caressed, feeling it's edge. The red crimson handle matched that of her eyes.

Her foot gently slid forward, feeling the wooden surface as she got her balance. The naginata was heavy, but her toned muscles tensed as she swung it, feeling the weight in her delicate hands. She squeezed the handle in the middle of the pole, as she struck at the thin air in front. The blade was shaped like a smooth but deadly axe, which could easily have cut a man in two by the force. Her brow arched and she let out a breath as she spun the weapon, twirling it clockwise above her head.

The candles flickered by the speed of it swinging. The observers held their breath in anticipation, excited by her movements, of her dance of death. She smirked as she wielded it, the blade diagonally balanced in her hands as she stood upright with her right foot slightly forward. Her left arm held the handle above her head. Her admirers smiled and applaud. Her okasan applaud as well, as she sat on a pillow in the centre of all those men as she said "arigato for that perfect display, Shizuru Hime you can be excused." Shizuru bowed, lowering her weapon which Tomoe accepted quickly. Shizuru continued to walk out, leaving the people within. She walked down the corridor to her room and she said quietly as Tomoe followed behind still carrying the weapon. "Tomoe?" Tomoe's heart fluttered as she stopped suddenly, replying "yes Shizuru Hime?" Shizuru looked back, as the younger girl and whispered, "this afternoon tell anyone questioning my whereabouts that I feel unwell, and I have taken to rest in privacy."

Tomoe looked puzzled stepping forward saying worryingly, "do you feel unwell Shizuru?" Shizuru paused allowing the informal title to slide, as they were both familiar with one another. Shizuru looked at Tomoe with something in her eyes that Tomoe never saw before, behind that cold mask of hers. But it took her breath away, she would do anything for her mistress, her friend. She thought 'those eyes are pleading, but they hold something else...like excitement?'

Shizuru stated, "Tomoe if need be, act as me for tonight posing in my bed, I shall return later." Tomoe blushed, answering "anything for you...Shizuru."

Shizuru opened her door, and slide it closed. Listening to Tomoe's footsteps fade away, she held her breath. After feeling confident they faded completely she the strode over to her wardrobe, opening it. Untying her pink flower kimono it then fell around her feet, she grabbed a shawl as she finally found her plain white kimono. It was very simple in detail, and it would blend in with any villager in the city.

She slipped into it, as she then placed the veil over her head and shoulders. After making up her bed, she stuffed it with clothes to look like a sleeping figure. She ran over to her window, to open it and looked down, judging the height. It was not very high, only a few feet from the grass below.

So she cautiously looked for any guards or that of a servant, before she crouched down in the window, holding the ledge whilst doing so. Then she let her feet hang as she twirled, allowing her body to drop, as she hung from the ledge by her hands. Successfully landing, she crouched down, very quietly in the bushes, holding her breath as she heard two guards approaching. Ducking, she held her breath. but her heart beated rapidly from the excitement, she was afraid they could hear it. Luckily they did not, and she ran as fast as she could towards the other side of the wall. Now opposite the palace, she felt content as she knew these gardens well as a child, she would often hide within them. She discovered many passage ways leading into the palace, and even a small peaceful get away building, where she uses frequently to train. She finally found the tree, observing it, she took one last look around before climbing up, grabbing a branch.

It creaked, causing some birds to fly from it suddenly as she walked across it, feeling excited by this daring adventure. She stepped onto the wall, and lowered herself down, and landed in a crouching position as she fell. She smiled to herself, as she graciously stood, continuing her journey down a deserted alleyway as a cat ran past, meowing. This all felt new to her, she never travelled alone and it was rare to leave the palace. She could hear the busy sounds of the people in their everyday lives at the market. She finally reached the end of the alleyway as then she stood in awe. Hundreds of people rushed past, squeezing amongst one another. They all carried baskets of goods, and polls with buckets on them. They carried cadges of animals such as chickens, cats and even birds. The smell felt liberating, horse manure, fresh bread she felt quite greedy trying to inhale it all at once. She daringly took a step forward, walking through the very busy crowd admiring the stalls. A fat man, with a large moustache sat behind his stall, frying crickets and insects whilst placing them on sticks. He said towards her, "miss what would you like?"

She felt a little queasy at this, putting her hand in-front of her mouth politely she shook her head. Insects was not something she would dare to venture out trying continuing on. This time it was a Jewry store, the gems where exquisite there was every gem a person could dream of. Rubies, sapphires, pearls, coral, diamonds but at last an emeralds. In that moment she felt her heart beat hard, and her stomach felt light, like butterflies that fluttered within. But her attention was caught from the stall as she saw a person barge through the crowds knocking over people and their valuables. Then to her amazement she saw several of the city guards chase her, with spears in hands. That girl running made her stop still where she stood. She felt powerless to do anything, as this girl screamed at the crowd, "BAKA MOVE!" Her blue hair, tight in a bun started to loosen in its hold as she ran determined, as she sidestepped past the market people.

In that very moment Shizuru snapped out her daze, as she saw those emerald eyes it made her heart flutter before she took off running after the girl. She was nearing fast, as Natsuki and Shizuru outran the guards. But to her dismay Nastuki briefly glanced behind her before pushing herself to run quicker. Shizuru felt surprised, but slightly impressed by this girls determination to get away.

Shizuru smiled, pushing and allowing her legs to stretch fully into a fast sprint. Her heart pounded, like her feet at they hit the floor. Her breath became heavier as she breathed in and out rapidly running. She looked behind her as the guards seemed at a distance and she came closer to the girl in-front, she stretched out a hand and it brushed the girls. It felt exciting, as both girls felt electricity run through their bodies, as the interaction could have ignited a spark. Natsuki huffed before suddenly turning right, bashing over two people before she entered a alleyway. Shizuru followed only a few seconds behind. Panting now, feeling her adrenaline fade she searched for the girl. The alleyway was empty and she felt confused, she carefully walked down trying not to make any noise. But she jumped as a cat ran past, hissing. She sighed, saying "ara."

Then out of nowhere someone grabbed her forcefully, pushing her into a doorway. Her back slammed against the wood and someone pressed a hand to her face, questioning her sudden sound of shock. She let out a small cry, as the strong figure pinned her other hand but then as Natsuki barked, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

Her voice faded out as she looked confused, panicked crimson eyes stared into a pool of emerald green, which softened. Her hand over Shizurus mouth instead now, let go. To reposition and push her into the doorway further, as the guards ran past the alleyway shouting, "FIND HER!"

Natsuki leaned into Shizuru, their cheeks accidently brushed. Shizuru inhaled, feeling intoxicated. This girl fascinated her in so many ways and the irony of meeting her, just excited her.

Both hearts pounded from the individuals. Natsuki held her breath, as the guards ran past. She looked into the eyes of the woman putting a finger to her lips, before stepping back. She bowed, her posture upright and very disciplined. Her hands were at her sides, and her hair now slightly loose from its bun. She then gazed up saying, "arigato." Before another girl, small with two short braids that hung either side of her head shouted, "NATSUKI SAMA THIS WAY!"

Natsuki frowned before starring into the eyes of the stranger who's kindness she would not forget. Before running in the direction where Mikoto stood, leaving Shizuru. Shizuru watched their departure as she rewrapped her veil around her face, whispering "Natsuki?" before smiling, and deciding she would return to the place before anyone would realise her absence.

But unknown to this display, a figure in black hid around the corner of the alleyway. Observing the scene, whispering "this can become interesting."

Earlier that day.

Natsuki awoke, groaning as she remembered what happened the previous night. She blushed recalling her encounter with Mai. She sat up and kneeled, as she gazed out of the window from the centre of the room and decided she needed to think. All this drama was unfamiliar, she needed to shut out the world to connect with it.

She put on a kimono for a change, so she could perform her kendo. Or one form of spiritual discipline. Sliding her door open, and glancing to the slumber figures. She walked out tying her hair in a top knot, called a chomage, not a strand out of place. Her kimono felt familiar as she tightened it. Slipping her feet into her sandals at the entrance, she opened the door, inhaling the familiar mountain air. She then ventured out to her favourite hilltop and field. The long grass of yellow and green, brushed against her arms as the clouds darkened the sky, blocking out the sun, as she walked uphill north of her hut. The birds sang and the crickets chirped in her homeland, Japan.

She was confused and misguided, she needed to think about this chapter towards her destiny. She finally reached it, one of the highest points in the city, she stood gazing at the cities walls, seeing the place stand gracious in the centre. The towering mountains stood behind her. She sat with her legs in a cross legged position. She then cricked her neck by manoeuvring it in a clockwise position to finally settle on resting her hands on her knees with her fingers in a spiritual pose of a 'ok' gesture in the Western world. Her eyes closed, she focused on her surroundings. How nature called to her, feeling the grass brush against her. The wind so delicate in its breeze on her face, and the smell of the country land in the fields.

Her emotions got the better of her, taking in two strangers was a charitable kindness in her behalf but meeting them, seeing Mikoto's swords skills it enlighten her. She needed to be guided. Was that her fate? To train Mikoto the way of bushido? The way of the warrior?

In that moment she felt a stronger breeze, the crickets died down, the birds songs faded and she felt something brush against her face. She did not feel alarmed as it felt very welcoming, warm in fact like a hand brushing against her cheek. Then she remembered the joyous memory of her past, and it warmed her heart.

Gazing at miles of greenery and natures wildlife in the mountains a girl of twelve sat, her midnight blue hair blew in the breeze. Her dark kimono warmed her figure as on the mounting peak on concrete stood a shrine. The hundreds of steps that climbed to the mountain continued for miles. The ancestry ancient shrine contained a master, who was talented and gifted in many areas. He took in her and her friend after their villages incident during a dark point in history, and began training them in body and soul. They have both have come of age to carry on to the next levels, and here they began all three sitting on the base of the stone shrine.

Natsuki, the master and a boy of fifteen all sat. The boy whose features already resembled that of a man's, than of a young teenager wore a blue kimono. His muscles toned in his early habit of physical training, and his hair was somewhat spiked brown matching that of his eyes. Silence surrounded them as they inhaled oxygen, feeling at ease, in peace.

The boy growled saying , "Sensei, when do we start real kendo?" The master was small, middle-aged. His glasses circular and his hair a light mousy grey as it spiked outwards, creating a central balding patch. His arms in his very large sleeves of his green attire he sighed whilst hitting Takeda on the head with a small stick he held in his hand, he then said as Takeda groaned in pain, "Takeda remember the first step?"

Takeda opened his eyes, now rubbing his head, as he said. "Recitude..." he paused before continuing, "conforming to the principles."

Natsuki smirked saying, "baka." Takeda then glared at her as she glanced back sticking out her tongue. The master sighed saying, "these ways are not for a child, and you both must encounter pure discipline in body and in mind to become a great warrior."

Both faced in front once again, nodding saying "hai sensei!" As they continued meditating in their training. This allowed them to focus greatly on their skills. It could benefit their concentration in battle by studying their opponent. By conforming to the principles was the first stage of becoming a great warrior. Both Natsuki and Takeda were determined to reach all seven, to become a Samurai. It was a way of life, an individual who was extremely disciplined, respectful, strong, courageous, honest, obligated and the utmost important...loyal. He or she would be those who serve their country, which was the meaning of the word, Samurai.

The memory faded and Natsuki returned to her surroundings feeling more at ease remembering her training, her past. She opened her eyes feeling sad, as she gazed at the gorgeous green mountains thinking about Takeda.

She would got to market later that day, but for now she would think. The spirit of her master would guide her in her destiny for the future.

Authors Note

Hey I hope you guys are liking this story thank you for all the wonderful comments, and keep your reviews coming it's the juice to keep me posting new chapters:)

Ok I had to research allot of the ways of the Samurai, even the terms and training! There are seven stages of becoming a Samurai, which I will explain in the future chapters. I have added some of the Japanese terms below for you guys, which I think you need to know.

Samurai: those who serve

Kendo: A form of fighting, spiritual discipline etc

Chomage: top knot, all Samurai's wear their hair this way!

okasan: mother

Sensei: teacher/master

The song that inspired this chapter was from the film Hero, Ta Dun. I would love to hear your comments, it motivates me to write so keep the reviews coming guys! J