Disclaimer: I don't own anything. (Though I wish I do)
Summary:
Have you ever heard of Dark Magic? What do you know about them? Natsuki is a rising star in the Fuka Police Headquarter who solves her case based on logic & facts. However, her world is turned upside down when she meets Shizuru. Shizuru lives in a world that can never be defined by logic and facts. What happens when the two meet? ShizNat Rated T for now.
The smartphone rang.
"Hi Natsuki, where are you now? I might be running slightly late." A kyoto accent.
There was silence.
"Natsuki?"
"… hi, I'm afraid Natsuki might not be able to speak to you now. She is currently not feeling well. May I know who this is? I will get Natsuki to return your call when she is feeling better?"
"Oh... I see. This is Viola Shizuru. And who might I be speaking to, if I may ask? Natsuki and I are supposed to meet for dinner. So when I didn't hear from her, I was worried."
Natsuki actually offered to pay for the previous meal with Shizuru as a thank you gesture. But Shizuru declined Natsuki's offer and instead paid for their meal. And so Natsuki suggested another meeting with Viola Shizuru again. Natsuki was hoping to take this opportunity to thank Viola Shizuru for saving her ass previously.
Unfortunately, the dinner did not materialise as Natsuki planned.
"I see. This is Tokiha Mai, Natsuki's colleague. Natsuki hasn't been feeling well since this morning. So I brought her to see the doctor this morning. And now she is resting at home now and sleeping the pain away." Mai replied as she peeked into Natsuki's bedroom. Worry was evident in Mai's tone.
There was a moment of silence at the other end of the phone.
"Viola-san? Are you there?"
"Tokiha-san, would you mind giving me Natsuki's home address? I would like to visit her."
And Mai rattled off a street name, giving Shizuru Natsuki's home address.
As Mai sat there watching over Natsuki, the name Viola Shizuru finally made sense! They just solved a recent case involving Viola Yuuichi! And Viola Shizuru was his cousin. But when did the two get close so quickly?
She was definitely going to grill Natsuki once she gets better.
50 minutes later, the bell rang and Mai opened the door to see a classy red-eyed beauty standing at the door.
"Gokigenyou. You must be Tokiha Mai-san. I am Viola Shizuru. We spoke earlier via the phone." Viola Shizuru greeted Mai and handed Mai a fruit basket and a box of cake.
"Erm… well come on in." Mai took over the items and stepped aside awkwardly, allowing Viola Shizuru to enter the room. She didn't know how to respond to Viola Shizuru's "gokigenyou"! This was the first time she heard someone use the term "gokigenyou" in real life. This Viola Shizuru was obviously an ojo-sama, a totally different breed from her, a normal working class citizen.
How did Natsuki end up being friends with an ojo-sama? Natsuki better come clean when she wakes up.
Mai thought as she ushered Viola Shizuru into Natsuki's bedroom.
Shizuru stood next to the bed looking down at Natsuki. The polite smile on her face turned into a slight frown as her eyes narrowed.
Natsuki didn't look too well. She was all but curled up on the bed, her hands clutching her stomach even while sleeping. And her face was all pale, very pale. She looked like she was in deep pain.
Shizuru leaned in to touch Natsuki's forehead and then her neck.
"Natsuki just fell asleep. Try not to wake her up. I have just checked her temperature and she doesn't have a fever." Mai explained, hoping that Shizuru won't wake Natsuki up. The pain made it hard for Natsuki to fall asleep and it took her awhile to drift into a slumber. Even though she was sleeping, Mai could tell that the sleep was fitful.
Mai frowned when she saw Shizuru ignoring her request and leaned closer to lift up Natsuki's eyelids.
Mai was about to remind Viola Shizuru again but she was interrupted.
"Tokiha-san, could I trouble you by getting me an empty pail?"
Surprised by the request, Mai clarified, "Hai? A pail?"
"Hai. A pail. A large empty pail if possible please."
"Erm sure… but what would you need it for?"
"I think I know what's making Natsuki sick." Shizuru replied as she examined Natsuki's pulse. "She might empty some content from her stomach later on. So a pail would be good."
"Oh! So you are a doctor?"
"In some sense." Shizuru replied and looked up at Mai and smiled. "Don't worry, I won't be doing anything weird such as feeding weird things to Natsuki. So please bring me a pail. Hurry please."
For some reasons, an order Mai felt compelled to follow.
Alone now, Shizuru stood next to the bed, her head slightly tilted to the left, staring at Natsuki. Her ruby coloured eyes darkened as she stared at Natsuki.
It was a complex curse and not that easy to cast and equally hard to remove as well. But it didn't matter because to Shizuru, it wasn't that difficult. Perhaps to others, they would need additional steps and external help to remove it. But Shizuru was told that she had talent in this area, which means that to others, it might be difficult, but to her, it was as easy as drinking water.
Soon Mai returned with the pail.
But Mai wasn't even able to step into the room at all because Viola Shizuru took the pail from her at the door and slammed the door shut in her face, locking her out, ignoring the shocked look on Mai's face.
"Hey…what…"
But Shizuru locked the door and turned to Natsuki.
"Natsuki...ne Natsuki, wake up." Shizuru called out, gently patting her arm. "Natsuki, I need you to wake up."
Natsuki moaned as she fought to cling on to the sleep that was hard to come by. She didn't want to wake up. The medicine she took earlier had put her to sleep, forcing her to sleep through the pain. But as she slowly regained her consciousness, the pain returned, making her groan in pain. Every part of her body was aching, including her joints. She didn't want to wait up and experience the pain again.
"Natsuki, you need to wake up."
The gentle pat on her arms turned into a shake as she felt someone grabbing her by the arms.
Through her hazy vision, she saw a worried Shizuru bending over her.
"Shizuru? Why are you here?"
"Ara, Natsuki, you are finally awake ne. We were supposed to meet today. Did you forget?"
"Oh…" Came Natsuki's groggy reply when she recalled their promises. "Sorry Shizuru, didn't mean to forget. Am feeling sick...will make it up to you when...when I recover...soon" The words trailed off as Natsuki slowly drifted back into darkness.
"I will hold on to your promise ne Natsuki. But you need to recover first."
Shizuru rolled Natsuki to her right so that Natsuki had her back facing her and pulled up Natsuki's shirt to reveal her pale back.
"Wh..what?" The movement pulled Natsuki back from her dreamland.
"Hush Natsuki..." Shizuru said as she gave Natsuki a reassuring pat on the back.
With that Shizuru bit hard onto her fore and middle fingers, allowing blood to ooze out from the cut. And with it, Shizuru trailed her fingers on Natsuki's back, writing a series of ancient words.
The red words slowly seeped into Natsuki's skin. But just as the words disappeared into Natsuki's back, blood red veins appeared, eerily pulsing against Natsuki's pale back, as if it has a life of its own, before fading off.
Natsuki could feel something cool and wet being written on her back. Natsuki couldn't quite describe the feeling but the movement of Shizuru's finger trailing back and forth on her back had her heart beating a tad too fast.
But just as Natsuki was feeling the coolness of Shizuru's finger on her back, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach before spreading through her entire body.
Natsuki let out a stifled cry.
"Don't hold back. Let it out." Shizuru gently patted Natsuki's shoulder. "The pail is here."
The pain was unbearable. It felt like someone stabbing a knife into her stomach and it revoked, contracting within her body. Natsuki clutched onto the bedsheet in pain, her fingers paled from the force used.
Just then a sharp pungent taste appeared at the back of her throat, forcing Natsuki to quickly turn to the red pile, vomiting out all the content from her stomach.
The pain eased as soon as the vomiting started.
It took a while before her vomiting stopped and she definitely felt better.
But the sight of the content in the red pile had Natsuki bending over the pill once again, trying to empty her stomach.
Hearing the commotion outside, Mai banged at the door.
"Natsuki? What's happening, Natsuki?"
The retching lasted for a while before Natsuki finally collapsed onto the bed, panting.
Shizuru took out a talisman and with a swipe of her fingers, lighted the talismen.
Under normal circumstances, Natsuki would have been impressed with this trick. But now, Natsuki barely had any energy to lift her finger.
Shizuru walked to the pail and threw the yellow paper in.
Amazingly, the semi liquid content in the pail caught fire. The pupae twitched and struggled, screeching as the fire engulfed them in flame.
"Shit! What the hell is that?" Natsuki cursed as she struggled to sit upright. She was surprised by the screeching sound.
Shizuru moved to help Natsuki and arrange the pillows behind her.
"Black magic."
The reply had Natsuki looking at Shizuru, an incredulous look on her face. "Black magic again?"
"Hai…" Shizuru nodded her head. "I can answer your question later. But before that, do you want to reassure Tokiha-san that you are alive? I think she might break in anytime soon." Shizuru smiled as she walked to the door and turned the door knob.
The door opened to show a furious Mai.
"What did you do to Natsuki?"
"Ara … nothing much. Except that she is feeling better now." Shizuru smiled and directed Mai's attention to Natsuki who was now reclining against the bed, though her face was still pale.
"Natsuki! You are awake now!" Mai glared at Shizuru and moved past her to stand next to Natsuki. "What happened?"
Natsuki gave a weak smile and reassured Mai that she was fine. She was feeling a little bit queasy after knowing that a bunch of insects had lived within her body. She had many questions she wanted to ask Shizuru. But not in front of Mai.
Amidst the conversation between Mai and Natsuki, Shizuru took the pail and left the room. A few minutes later, she returned with a mouthwash and a glass.
"Here. Gurgle it. It will make you feel much better." Shizuru handed Natsuki a glass of mouthwash.
Natsuki thanked Shizuru and turned to Mai, "Mai, I am really fine now. You don't have to worry about me. Why don't you go back and rest for the day. You have been taking care of me since this morning. You should go back and rest." Natsuki reiterated.
"Are you sure?" Mai was sceptical. An hour ago, Natsuki was pale and sickly, hardly able to do anything because she was in pain. Now Natsuki said she was completely fine.
Mai glanced at Viola Shizuru suspiciously.
Viola Shizuru smiled. "Ara… don't look at me like that Tokiha-san. But I also think that Natsuki is going to be fine."
Mai turned to ask Natsuki again, "Are you sure you are going to be fine?"
Natsuki was in the midst of gurgling the solution. She couldn't take the aftertaste of the retching anymore and especially seeing what came out from her stomach. But when she heard the question, she turned to Mai and nodded her head and waved her hand at Mai, gesturing to Mai that she should leave.
Mai rolled her eyes. "Fine. Fine. Fine. I will leave now. Call me if you need anything."
The door slammed and Shizuru and Natsuki were alone in the house.
Natsuki spat out the mouthwash. "Give me a while. I think I better brush my teeth too."
With that, Natsuki quickly got out of bed and headed towards the bathroom.
Natsuki was inside the toilet for 15 minutes, brushing her teeth for the third time.
In the meantime, Shizuru sat down on a chair and took in the surroundings. It was a utilitarian bedroom, little to no decoration. No pictures of her friends or family even. She glanced at the work table, there were just a few pens and pencils in a mug and a few pieces of paper lying on the table.
Very much like Natsuki's style - utilitarian style with no frills.
"What the hell was that?" Natsuki asked, the moment she was out of the toilet. "And how did it even get into my body?"
She could still vividly remember that lying amidst the semi-solid half digested food were white insect's pupae, about an inch long. The features of the insect could even be clearly seen from the pupa and for some, the fully formed insects were ready to break free from the shell.
Natsuki can't fathom what would happen to her should the insect emerge from the pupae.
"Remember that time when you nearly drank the cup of coffee and I told you about the Black magic? The act of placing a curse or bane or jinx on someone with the intention of causing harm."
"So someone has placed a bane or curse on me?" A disbelieving look on Natsuki's face. "But why would someone do that?"
"Could be. Someone might have placed a curse on you. There are various reasons why people use black magic on others. It could be for money, for love or for revenge. Or it could simply be your luck. That you accidentally touch or come into contact with something that contained the curse but that curse was meant for someone else."
There was silence for a while as Natsuki tried to digest the information. It would have been good if it was the latter, where she accidentally came into contact with something that contained the curse that was meant for someone else. It would've been a once off incident.
But if it was the earlier scenario, then it could be dangerous. She would never know when the next curse would befall her. There was no way Natsuki could fend for herself
And just then the image of the teal colour hair lady flashed across her mind.
"Ano… Shizuru-san, do you remember that incident that occurred between Marguerite-san and me? Do you think it could be her?" Natsuki tentatively asked. "I mean, she tried to make me drink that cup of coffee previously."
Shizuru didn't answer Natsuki immediately.
Based on past experiences, Tomeo was a likely suspect. Shizuru was aware that Tomoe used Black Magic on people who wanted to get close to her and Shizuru had indirectly permitted that. Shizuru had no patience for those people and Tomoe became a helpful tool to get rid of those people.
But it looked like her permissive attitude towards Tomoe might have indirectly caused harm to Natsuki now.
"Give me some time to investigate this and I will give you an answer. If it is indeed her, I would like to apologise on her behalf and make sure she never does that again."
Natsuki scratched her head. "Yeah… thanks. And I am not sure if there is any misunderstanding but she seems upset with me."
Shizuru smiled. "I will clarify with her."
If it was indeed Tomoe, she would pay for her actions. Shizuru thought, as she narrowed her eyes, her eyes glistening.
In fact, if it was Tomoe, she would be paying the price now. When the curse was broken or interrupted before completion, the caster of the curse would be able to feel it as there would be repercussions from having her spell broken. Shizuru thought as she tapped her fingers on the armchair. It was like throwing a ball at someone and before the ball could hit the person, the trajectory was interrupted and reversed so that the ball was turned back, hitting the thrower. So the caster could be suffering from the broken curse now. And what's more, the talisman Shizuru threw in, would amplify the repercussions.
She decides what to do to the people around her. Not Tomoe or anyone. If she chose to protect Natsuki, then no one should harm her. Or else, pay the consequences.
"So… is the curse completely lifted? Like you know, removed? Or…" Natsuki paled as she recalled the pain she felt earlier on and how she threw up a bucket of insect pupae from her stomach. She wondered what would happen to her if Shizuru never turned up today. "And what would happen to me if the curse was not removed?"
"Don't worry. You are perfectly safe now." Shizuru gave Natsuki a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "If the curse wasn't discovered, most probably you would suffer for quite a while before the cursed insects within your body die off."
Natsuki paled when she heard that. How long would that be? The pain she experienced earlier was excruciating enough.
Shizuru wasn't completely honest with Natsuki. She didn't want to frighten her or send her into a panic. She knew the kind of curse that was placed on her. It was a rather vicious and vile spell meant to cause excruciating death. If Natsuki was lucky, she might survive but with a frail body after the cursed insects ravaged through her entire body.
Under normal circumstances, a person under such a curse would most likely suffer for a while before the pests that resided within her emerged from the pupae and ate their ways through the stomach and flesh before escaping from her body. If Tomoe was the one who placed the curse, she had every intention of killing Natsuki. Even the police would not be able to trace and identify the culprit. Those insects weren't the normal ones people see outside. They were bred using unique techniques. Once those insects escaped from the body and were exposed to light, they would melt and dissolve into a puddle of blood before evaporating. What's left would just be the victim's body filled with holes.
If Natsuki knew of it, she might just empty her stomach, once again.
"Won't the doctor be able to identify the insects when it was in a person's body? Or won't such black magic leave behind traces of evidence for police to trace?" Natsuki spoke up again, her police training automatically had her analysing Shizuru's statements.
"Those insects were specially reared for Black Magic. It is impossible to treat them like normal parasites and to detect them using normal technology." Shizuru explained. "Unless the victim finds someone with experience in dealing with Black Magic, then she would be able to identify and lift the curse."
Natsuki sighed. "Thank you so much Shizuru-san. I am just so glad that you are here today, Shizuru-san. Otherwise, I don't know how long I'd have to tolerate this pain." Natsuki shivered once again when she recalled the pain she went through earlier on.
"Just Shizuru will do, Natsuki. There is no need to be formal here."
While Natsuki might think that she was lucky to have Shizuru, Shizuru might have doubts about that, especially when she suspected that Tomoe could be the one who placed the curse on Natsuki. So in a sense, Natsuki was dragged into this because of her. If she had kept a distance from Natsuki, perhaps Natsuki would never have experienced all these and lead a normal life without the presence of Black Magic.
"Ne Shizuru-san, what do you think? How about dinner at my house? I think Mai prepared some food."
Shizuru blinked her eyes as Natsuki's questions brought her attention back from her musing. She looked at Natsuki and the flash of guilt that arose earlier was easily brushed aside.
She enjoyed Natsuki's company. In fact she looked forward to her company. Instinctively, she was drawn to Natsuki and Tomoe's presence was no reason to stop her from seeing Natsuki again.
If Tomoe posed a threat to her interaction with Natsuki, then Tomoe would just have to go.
"I would love to." Shizuru replied.
Half an hour later…
Natsuki scratched her head as she stared at the ingredients in front of them.
"It is not something elaborated but are you ok with hotpot as dinner?"
She was kind of embarrassed by the food choice in front of her. She didn't expect Mai to prepare a hotpot for her. Well, to be exact, Mai had prepared this hotpot, not for her, but for their upcoming gathering of friends at her house. But Natsuki decided to use the food today. She could just buy and replace the food Mai bought. It was just that she didn't realise it was just a hotpot!
It was embarrassing to treat someone who just saved you to a hotpot for dinner. And Shizuru was an ojo-sama and Natsuki wasn't sure if Shizuru was comfortable with having hotpot for dinner.
Natsuki glanced at Shizuru, expecting a frown. But to Natsuki's surprise, there was a fascinated look on her face.
"Ara… Hotpot? What is that?" Shizuru asked as she studied the various soup base packages in front of her and the array of ingredients laid out on the table.
Natsuki's face brightened. This must be something Shizuru has never seen or tried before. Now's the opportunity to showcase one of her favourite foods.
"This hotpot is a Chinese dish. We will put a pot of soup in the middle of the table and let it simmer. See the divider in the middle of this pot? We can choose the type of soup base we want. We have spicy soup base, mushroom soup base and even ramen soup base!"
"Ara…this sounds interesting. And these ingredients are?" Shizuru pointed to the plates of fresh meat and vegetables. "Are we supposed to put these ingredients in?"
"Yup! Correct. We can choose the food we want and put them in. Once the food is cooked, we can pull them out and eat them. And then put more of the food we want in again. Do you have any preference for soup base? We can start cooking anytime. And this hotpot is best eaten when the weather gets cold, like now!"
The interest soon turned into surprise and then amusement when she saw Natsuki taking out a large bottle of mayonnaise.
"Ne Natsuki… while I am not very familiar with eating hotpot, I am pretty sure mayonnaise is not normally eaten together with hotpot. And that bottle of mayonnaise is enough for a family of five."
Natsuki's face turned red at Shizuru's comment. She was getting more comfortable around Shizuru that she forgot to tone down her passion for mayonnaise in front of her. She should have brought out the smaller bottle of mayonnaise.
But she quickly cleared her throat and coughed into her hand. "Well, putting mayonnaise together with hotpot can be an acquired taste. Not many people like the combination."
If Natsuki's ears weren't blushing red, Shizuru would have been more likely to believe her.
"I can see that Natsuki has an acquired taste ne." Shizuru teased Natsuki.
"Of course! And it isn't as bad as you thought it to be!" Natsuki insisted. "In fact, it can be good if you know how to appreciate such a mixture!" She came to the defence of mayonnaise. Among her friends, Mai was especially critical of her choice of add on, often criticising her for tarnishing the taste of authentic food. But Natsuki firmly believed that only the finest taste people would know how to appreciate mayonnaise and the taste it brought to the dishes.
"That sounds interesting…" There was an obvious smile in Shizuru's voice when she heard the indignity in Natsuki's reply. "Perhaps I should give it a try?"
"Really?" Natsuki quickly looked up at Shizuru, her eyes practically shining with happiness, happiness that she might have found her camaraderie who also enjoys the taste of mayonnaise mixed with other food.
Seeing Shizuru's acknowledgement, Natsuki happily squeezed out a very large proportion of mayonnaise onto a plate to share with her new found partner.
But the moment Shizuru saw the very huge portion of mayonnaise, the smile along her lips became slightly strained.
"I find mayonnaise goes best with the meat." Natsuki said as she took a few thin slices of pork and washed it through the soup.
Within one minute, Natsuk pulled up the meat and put it in Shizuru's bowl. "Try the meat with mayonnaise."
Natsuki stared at Shizuru expectantly.
At that moment, Shizuru felt regret for the first time in her life. She shouldn't have offered to try the mayonnaise mixed with the food. Instinctively, she felt that the combination of mayonnaise and sliced pork wouldn't go well together.
But she had no way to backtrack on her promise.
With a very small portion of mayonnaise on the meat, Shizuru put the mixture into her mouth and slowly chewed it.
There was a contemplative look on Shizuru's face as she chewed the food.
"It isn't that bad. If you chew on it long enough, the taste can be quite interesting actually."
Natsuki's face brightened at Shizuru's reply.
And at that moment Shizuru was glad that she tried the mix of mayonnaise and meat.
"Here, have more meat!" Natsuki quickly picked up more meat for Shizuru, over the moon with the fact that she found someone who did not mind mixing mayonnaise into their food.
"Thank you Natsuki. Don't worry about me and enjoy the food too."
Once Natsuki made sure that Shizuru had enough food, she tucked into her food and scooped up a large portion of mayonnaise.
Shizuru was amused when she saw that. She shouldn't have worried about food wastage now. She was sure Natsuki alone could finish the large portion of mayonnaise.
Suddenly, she saw Natsuki reaching out towards her face.
And with a gentle movement, brought her loose hair behind ear.
"Your hair is getting caught with the food." Natsuki said absentmindedly as she returned to her bowl of mayonnaise, completely unaware that Shizuru was motionless for a while.
"Ara… arigato Natsuki." Shizuru finally replied, her eyes softened as she looked at Natsuki.
Shizuru and Natsuki finished their dinner and Natsuki offered to drive Shizuru home.
"Ne Shizuru, I will drive you home. It isn't safe for a girl to be out alone at night." Natsuki grabbed her jacket and keys.
"Ara Natsuki, I am more than capable of taking care of myself, even at night."
"Yes, I know you are capable of taking care of yourself. But still, it can be dangerous at night. And the public transport will end in 30 minutes, which means that most likely, you will be stranded somewhere if you take the public transport."
Shizuru was about to say that she could ask Mikoto to pick her up but stopped as she pondered and looked at Natsuki. Perhaps it would be nice to spend more time with Natsuki.
"If Natsuki says so." Shizuru smiled and looked at Natsuki.
"Really?" Surprised, Natsuki looked at Shizuru. She wasn't expecting Shizuru to accept her proposal so easily.
Shizuru nodded her head again.
"Right. Ok…follow me."
And a few minutes later, Natsuki stared at her motorbike in embarrassment. This was the second time tonight. First it was offering Shizuru hotpot for dinner and now it was driving Shizuru back home on a motorbike.
Natsuki just came to the realisation that Shizuru might not be comfortable sitting on a bike. Furthermore, she was wearing a skit.
"Ano… gomenei Shizuru. I forgot that you are wearing a skirt and riding a bike might be difficult for you."
Shizuru studied the Ducati in front of her. She had never ridden a bike before and she didn't mind trying it out with Natsuki.
"Ara… I am good with it. Don't worry about it. How do I start?" Shizuru looked up at Natsuki expectantly.
Natsuki let out a silent sigh of relief and proceeded to take out a helmet for Shizuru.
"Here is the helmet." Natsuki took it and gently put it on Shizuru's head, pushing her hair back to her ears so that they would not escape and block Shizuru's view.
All the while, Shizuru was staring at Natsuki.
"All's good now." Natsuki said as she snapped the button close and took a step back to view the result.
"Oh wait…" Natsuki stepped forward again and tightened the snap. "Don't want the helmet to come loose. Need you to be safe and sound." Natsuki muttered under her breath.
"Ne Natsuki…"
"Hmmm…" Natsuki replied absently and looked up, only to realise that she was very close to Shizuru.
Too close! Natsuki thought as she stared into Shizuru's piercing ruby coloured eyes.
Natsuki wasn't the sappy and poetic kind of person. But at that moment, she really thought that Shizuru's piercing eyes could see deep into her soul.
Natsuki blinked her eyes and stepped back, breaking the contact and averted her eyes.
That was too deep. Natsuki thought and cleared her throat.
"Ano… The helmet looks good now." Natsuki reached out and touched the helmet. "Not too loose or too tight. How do you feel about it, Shizuru?" Natsuki asked but her eyes were elsewhere.
"Everything is good… Natsuki." Shizuru smiled but her attention was on Natsuki's ears. "Everything is good."
"Good good." Natsuki nodded her head as she rubbed her ears.
NO! Everything wasn't good! Not good at all. Natsuki thought. Her heart was beating too fast. It shouldn't be. She was just helping Shizuru to put on her helmet. Nothing more. She assured herself.
"Ne Natsuki." Shizuru called out in amusement when she saw Natsuki busied herself with her bike and muttering to herself about not being good. And all the while, her ears remained red and showed signs of getting redder.
Natsuki was oblivious to Shizuru.
"Ne Natsuki…" Shizuru called out again. "How do I get on this bike?"
"Oh… oh… gomenei Shizuru." Natsuki finally snapped out of her internal debate and looked at Shizuru. "Here, let me help you." Natsuki reached out her hands and gently guided Shizuru to the side of the bike. "You move to where the pavilion seat is. Yup, correct. Now you can just tiptoe slightly and sit onto the seat."
Natsuki held on to Shizuru's arm as Shizuru lifted herself onto the seat.
"Yup…good good. Oh wait, hold on." Natsuki took off her jacket and covered Shizuru's legs, tugging here and there to make sure it covered Shizuru's legs. "This might help."
Once done, Natsuki quickly put on her helmet and hid her hair beneath it and got on her bike in a smooth motion, something which she had done numerous times before.
But this time round, she had to take a deep breath before she plucked her key into her bike. Her heart was still beating too fast. And she subconsciously rubbed her fingers against each other, the fingers that accidentally brushed against Shizuru's skin when she was arranging her jacket on Shizuru's lap.
She shouldn't be thinking about that! Natsuki reminded herself as she coughed into her hand.
"We are moving off. Hold tight."
"Definitely." Amusement was still evident in Shizuru's voice as she reached out her hand and circled her arms around Natsuki's waist.
And immediately, Shizuru could feel Natsuki going rigid in her arms.
Shizuru stifled a chuckle. It was too bad that Natsuki was wearing a helmet. Otherwise, she might be able to see her blushing ears again.
The ride was a smooth one.
Natsuki took a turn and Shizuru chose not to resist and allowed the forces to guide her as she leaned forward, pressing towards Natsuki.
She could feel Natsuki's heart beating faster.
Shizuru smiled.
She enjoyed teasing Natsuki. She also enjoyed the closeness and the body heat emitting from Natsuki.
As the engine purred beneath them and Natsuki manoeuvring the bike, Shizuru could feel Natsuki's taut muscles moving beneath the clothes. Her waist was so small that Shizuru could easily wrap one arm around it.
Now that Natsuki had given her the jacket, Natsuki was just wearing a simple white t-shirt and it was a thin shirt. Shizuru could easily feel the heat from Natsuki's body and the beautiful contours of her body.
And occasionally when the shirt moved with Natsuki's movement, Shizuru could actually feel the smooth silky skin exposed beneath the shirt.
It was really tempting for Shizuru to simply just slip her hand beneath the shirt and run her hand over her taut skin. Too tempting.
But Shizuru wouldn't do that. It wasn't the right time and place. She knew she was increasingly attracted to Natsuki. Not just the physical attraction. Physical attraction could easily be dealt with and desired satisfied quickly. She wasn't a saint and she had had parterns before. Partners that easily came by. Shizuru was fully aware of her attractiveness as well. She knew others were attracted to her too. With a smile and a glance, many would come willingly.
But in this case, the attraction was moving beyond physical attraction. Natsuki was definitely attractive. That was undeniable. Her body was well proportioned, like a model, and her features were pretty, not to say the emerald coloured eyes that she could easily drown in. People would have thought her a model rather than a police officer. She was completely suited to strut on the walkway, eating up the walkway with her long legs. And together with her icy demour, she would be like an ice princess on the stage. But beneath her icy demour, it hid a warm and caring personality, willing to protect other people. Perhaps that's why she became a police officer instead of a model.
But would someone like Natsuki really be willing to be more than friends with her? Someone who involved herself with Black Magic?
Perhaps, with some teasing, a touch here and there, Natsuki would be a willing partner. She didn't think Natsuki was immune to her. Shizuru was confident of that.
That shyness that occasionally slipped past the icy shield just made Shizuru want to probe further, to see her blush furiously. Would the blushes appear beyond her ears and face? Would it spread to her whole body? All the things that she can do to make Natsuki blush further. Shizuru thought, her eyes glowing with desire beneath her helmet and she tightened her arms around Natsuki, drawing them closer as she rested her chin on Natsuki's shoulder.
But her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle pat on her hand. Shizuru blinked her eyes a few times, trying to brush aside the growing desires building within her.
"Everything ok?" Natsuki's muffled voice came from the helmet. "Do you need me to slow down?"
Natsuki asked because she suddenly felt Shizuru tightening her arms around her and she was worried that Shizuru wasn't comfortable with the ride.
Actually, she had been driving at a much slower pace. Mai would have been shocked to see that.
She didn't want to shock Shizuru given that this was the first time she was riding a motorbike. And most importantly, it was because Shizuru was too close to her! She could easily feel Shizuru's breast pressing against her back whenever she sped up or slowed down or made a turn. Well… make that every time then!
She was getting too tense to focus on the road and she hoped this drive would end soon.
And soon, Natsuki's relief came when she saw the school hostel come into view. She wasn't sure if her heart could handle the rapid beat any longer.
"Thank you so much ne Natsuki." Shizuru thanked Natsuki as she took off her helmet and handed it to her. "I really like to buy you a meal next time. To thank you for the hotpot and the drive home."
"Yiyah… it's my pleasure Shizuru. Don't worry. I will make a move first." Natsuki said as she grabbed Shizuru's helmet, put it away, turned and drove off immediately.
Shizuru chuckled and shook her head. She could imagine Natsuki blushing as she drove the bike away. Perhaps, the blushing didn't stop at all. Even as Natsuki drove her home, Shizuru could hear Natsuki's heartbeat beating fast beneath the chest. She could hear it clearly from the back.
"Ara ne…" Shizuru suddenly said when she saw Natsuki's jacket still wrapped around her waist.
"Perhaps all the more reason for us to meet again." Shizuru untied the jacket and held it against her chest.
Shizuru took out her phone and dialled out a number.
"Pick me up at my hostel now." The hostel was the furthest away from Natsuki's place and she didn't mind the distance at all. In fact, she didn't bother to correct Natsuki when she realised that Natsuki was driving towards Fuuka University earlier on. She enjoyed spending more time with Natsuki.
It would be about 10 more minutes before Mikoto arrived with the car and the weather was getting colder at night. It was autumn now. But Shizuru didn't mind the coldness as she put on Natsuki's jacket.
And at that moment, she felt that the weather wasn't that cold after all.
On the other side, Natsuki was speeding her way home. She needed to put some distance between Shizuru and her.
Shizuru was making her heart beat too fast.
But suddenly she pulled the break and the bike screeched to a halt.
Shit! In her hurry to leave, she forgot to make sure that Shizuru got to the hostel safely!
Natsuki took up her handphone and quickly sent a text to Shizuru.
But thank goodness, Shizuru replied to Natsuki within minutes that she was back home safely.
Natsuki heaved a sigh of relief before gunning her engine and drove back to her flat.
Earlier on in Fuuka University, a teal coloured hair girl pushed past a group of concerned friends and rushed to the toilet, bending over the sink as she coughed out blood onto her hand. Her face contorted in pain.
What happened to the curse that she placed on that bitch?
One day later…
"Welcome back Kuga!"
"Thanks!"
"How ya doin' Kuga? Boss is looking for you man."
"Recovering! Right. Ok, I will look for him then. Thanks." Natsuki replied looking longingly at her mayonnaise donut breakfast before making a U-turn to Sakomizu Kaiji's office.
Damn…she was hoping to enjoy her breakfast while it was hot.
"Captain! Lieutenant Kuga reporting Sir!" Natsuki entered the room and gave a sharp salute.
Mai was already seated in the room, across from Sakomizu.
"Kuga, glad to know that you have recovered! Come on in. There is something I would like the both of you to do."
Sakomizu Kaiji pushed two files towards Mai and Natsuki and cleared his throat as he prepared to speak. "We noticed a recurring incident in the Fuuka University for the first half of the year."
The mention of Fuuka University had Natsuki raising her eyebrows.
Fuuka University? That's where Shizuru was working.
"Recurring incident? Is it a copycat crime?" Mai asked. "Or a series of crimes carried out by the same person?"
"This is where we need the two of you to find out. I only received the report from the district police yesterday evening. So far what we know is that three students were found dead in a span of six months. These three students were murdered and found dead in different parts of the university. The district police weren't able to establish a strong motive for the murder except for the circumstances in which they were killed and all of them studied in Fuuka University. Details can be found inside the file. The problem is that as the death toll rises, it is inevitable that it gains the attention of the public and the students. Especially when the circumstances surrounding the victims' deaths caught the imagination of the public." Sakomizu Kaiji sighed when he said that. Especially with the increased use of mass media, a picture of the incident or a video by a witness would spread like wildfire online. And more so when it had to do with the supernatural. Unfortunately, most of the time, the attention from the public wasn't anything favourable. In fact it just made the investigation harder. "All the three victims died from blood loss and rumour is going round the internet regarding supernatural beings praying on students in Fuuka University."
"And the supernatural stuff being blood sucking vampires huh?" Mai interrupted.
"Yes. And the higher-ups aren't too happy about all this supernatural stuff going around especially when the election period is nearing. So they want the HQ to take over this from the district police and ensure that we solve the case as soon as possible. This would reflect well on the ability of the government to ensure public safety."
"Yup… that's what the politicians would be concerned about. Their image." Mai commented sarcastically.
Sakomizu Kaiji threw Mai a warning look. Not that he didn't understand why Mai said that. But unfortunately, politics was something people at his level couldn't avoid.
Sakomizu Kaiji continued, "The district police suspect the killer could be among the staff and students of Fuuka University. But their investigation yielded little outcome. So the Commissioner has instructed the police department to work closely with the staff from the Fuuka University to investigate this incident."
Natsuki raised her eyebrows. "But the suspect could also be a staff member from the Fuuka University. Aren't we compromising our investigation?"
Mai nodded her head in agreement. She wasn't too keen with the idea.
"Yes, I know your concern. Hear me out first." Sakomizu Kaiji leaned back against his chair and folded his hands over his stomach. "What Fuuka University will do is to provide staff who will assist us in our investigation. The staff would be the point of contact should the police require more information. The staff is not supposed to investigate with the police. In this way, there is no compromising of investigation."
"Sounds fair." Natsuki replied. "Who would we be working with then?"
"The details of the meeting are also in the file. Take a look at it and raise any issue if you have any."
Natsuki flipped open the file and to her surprise, she saw Viola Shizuru's name on the list.
"Is there a problem?" Sakomizu Kaiji asked, noting the surprise on Natsuki's face.
"No Sir. There isn't a problem. The staff identified here happened to be an acquaintance of mine."
"Would there be a conflict of interest here? Given that Viola Shizuru is an acquaintance of Natsuki?" Mai asked. "Would it be better to have someone else? This will ensure the neutrality of the investigation."
To be honest, Mai wasn't too pleased to work with Viola Shizuru. If possible, Mai hoped they could have a different person to work with. Their first meeting had been an unpleasant one. Natsuki had spoken to her after that and told her what exactly happened to her and what transpired between Viola Shizuru and Natsuki while she was locked outside the room. Even though Natsuki swore it was the truth, Mai found it hard to believe. Had she not known Natsuki well, she would have thought that Natsuki had been scammed by someone.
Black magic? Curse?
Such stuff only exists in movies and books.
Mai didn't know how Viola Shizuru, an ojo-sama from a conglomerate, would possibly have anything to do with black magic and curses. Everything about Viola Shizuru and the situation sounded suspicious.
If Mai could have her way, she would have Natsuki stay far far away from Viola Shizuru. But Natsuki had always been a stubborn one. Once she considers someone her friend, she won't waver in her decision.
Mai sighed inwardly and looked at Sakomizu Kaiji, hoping he could change his mind on the choice of staff.
Sakomizu Kaiji rubbed his chin. "I don't think it is a conflict of interest. Currently, the suspect has not been identified yet and there is nothing suspicious about that staff, given the current investigation. This means that staff is not involved in the case. Hence, no conflict of interest. Unless otherwise, then Natsuki would have to step back from the investigation."
"Thank you so much Lt Kuga and Lt Tokiha. We hope our assistance will be of help to the police in solving the case. Please do not hesitate to approach Viola-san and the faculty should you need additional help." The Dean spoke as he walked Natsuki and Mai out of his office.
Just before they parted ways, the Dean turned to Shizuru and instructed, "Viola-san, please provide all the help necessary to Lt Kuga and Lt Tokiha."
"Of course I will. I will assist them in all situations possible." Shizuru assured the Dean.
Once the Dean left, Shizuru turned to Mai and Natsuki, "Lt Kuga and Lt Tokiha, it is close to 12 noon. Would you like to visit the crime scenes directly or would you like to have a short break first?"
Natsuki was about to suggest they take a quick break before checking out the crime scene. But before she could voice out her opinion, Mai interrupted, "We would like to visit all the crime scenes as soon as possible. We won't have much time for a break."
The reply had Shizuru raising her eyebrows.
Did she just sense some animosity from Lt Tokiha? And why would Lt Tokiha feel that way?
But Shizuru wasn't very bothered by it. You can't always be working with people who like you. There will always be someone who dislikes you.
Anyway, Shizuru was more than willing to oblige Lt Tokiha if she wanted to start working immediately.
"Ara… If that is what Lt Tokiha wanted, I would be glad to oblige. I just hope that Tokiha-san is prepared because the campus is big. You might have to work on an empty stomach for a while."
Natsuki scratched her chin. Did she miss something? Why did she find that Mai sounded a bit snappy today?
Was she reading the situation wrongly?
Taking issue with Shizuru's tone, Mai narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth, ready to retort that she was more ready for work.
Natsuki saw that and quickly stepped forward and stood in between the two of Mai and Shizuru.
"Erm, how about we visit one specific area first and then go for our meal?" Natsuki tried to ease the tension by offering a third option. "Shizuru-san, could you show us the place where the third victim was killed? I saw the map and it is nearby while the rest of the crime scenes are further away. I understand that the third victim stayed in a hostel and was walking back from a late night study in the library. Could you show us around and the possible paths the victim might have taken from the library to her hostel?"
"Ara… if Mai is also alright with it?" Shizuru glanced over at Mai.
"I am good." Mai gave a stiff nod.
"I shall show you where the library is then." Shizuru turned and led the way.
Somehow Natsuki felt that there was some kind of tension and awkwardness in the air.
An hour into the hour, Natsuki was sure it wasn't her imagination. There was definitely something going on. Mai was snappy and as a result, Shizuru-san retreated into her polite facade.
Natsuki sighed inwardly. When she knew that the staff they were going to work with is Shizuru, she was optimistic that they were going to work well together. There might be less friction working with someone they knew. But now, she was highly doubtful.
She would have to talk to Mai soon. Natsuki wasn't exactly sure what's bugging Mai but she suspected that it had to do with what she told Mai regarding Shizuru. Much as she assured Mai, Mai was still sceptical about Shizuru. Not that she would blame Mai for the scepticism. If the roles were swapped, she would also be sceptical about Shizuru as well. It was hard to believe unless you saw it with your own eyes. As police, they were all trained to believe in facts and evidence. So it was understandable that Mai was wary of Shizuru-san.
"So this is the place where the victim was found?" Mai asked as she glanced at the surroundings and matched the surroundings with the pictures given by the district police.
"Hai…" Shizuru-san replied.
Well, at least Mai still seemed rather reliable when it came to work. Natsuki thought as she glanced at the surroundings too.
The place where the victim was found was a secluded area of the campus. From what Shizuru showed them earlier on, to walk from the library to the female hostel, students could take different routes. But this route was the shortest but most secluded. This route requires the students to cut across a park before reaching the hostel and the park wasn't that well lit at night. And so for safety reason, most female students would avoid this route across the park unless accompanied by another person. But of course there would also be those brave souls who were brave enough to take their chance to save time. What could be the odds of meeting danger anyway?
Victim C, the latest victim, was found here by a group of students who were walking from their hostel to attend lectures.
There were various possible scenarios which led to Victim C's death. Natsuki thought as she studied the surroundings.
Victim C took this route alone and because she was alone, the murderer took the opportunity to kill her.
Or, Victim C knew the murderer who accompanied the victim as they took this route back to the hostel. And when they were alone in the park, the murderer killed the victim.
Natsuki had studied the reports for all three victims given by the forensic team and the pathologist. All three victims showed similar causes of death. The places where the victims were found were likely to be the crime scene and there were signs of struggle at all the crime scenes as the victims fought for their lives. Strangely enough, despite signs of struggle, they were unable to find traces of the attacker. The attacker was careful enough not to leave any evidence behind. And the attacker was likely to have attacked the victims from their back. For all three victims, there were two puncture marks on their necks, measuring 1 cm each in diameter, roughly the width of a person's teeth. These two puncture holes led to significant blood loss and splatter of blood was found near the victims. It was no wonder people thought of vampires as the possible attacker. If those two puncture marks were really teeth marks, there should be traces of saliva or any form of DNA. But there weren't any. So there was also the possibility that the puncture marks were created by man-made tools rather than teeth. Unfortunately there weren't any security cameras in the park. Otherwise the investigation would have been made easier.
"Maybe we could have our lunch first before we make our way to the first and second crime scene?" Natsuki glanced at her watch. It was way past lunch time. While Mai and Natsuki were familiar with occasional missed meals due to work, Natsuki worried for Shizuru. They had been walking for a long distance today and she wasn't sure Shizuru would be able to handle it.
"How about it, Mai?" Natsuki directed the question to Mai.
"Sure. If you want to. We don't want people to faint in the midst of work." Mai shrugged her shoulders.
Natsuki nearly rolled her eyes at Mai's response. She knew Mai was referring to Shizuru when she said she didn't want "people" to faint.
Thankfully, Shizuru didn't respond to Mai's comment.
"Alright. Then we should have our lunch first." Natsuki decided. "Shizuru, do you know the nearest place for lunch?"
"I can bring you there. It is nearby."
The rest of the journey was travelled in silence, with occasional questions from Natsuki to Shizuru.
When they reached the canteen, the three of them split up to buy their own lunch.
And it was then that Natsuki fell back and walked side by side with Mai. And with an elbow knocked, Natsuki whispered, "What's going on? Do you dislike Shizuru?"
"What do you mean?" Mai feigned innocence.
Natsuki arched her eyebrows. "I did know you are so excited to work on an empty stomach this morning, Lt Tokiha."
Mai rolled her eyes. "I just want to finish my job as soon as possible." And then as if subconsciously feeling guilty, Mai glanced sideways. If she's being honest with herself, then she was indeed bordering on being rude to a person. But Mai couldn't help but feel suspicious of Viola Shizuru, who had been advocating supernatural stuff to Natsuki.
Mai cleared her throat before continuing, "But I will try to be nicer if you think I was being rude with Viola-san."
"Well… you weren't rude. You were just not your usual self. More abrupt and hmmm… snappy. That's all." Natsuki shrugged. "Try to play nice, Lt Tokiha Mai. We are working on a case here."
For the sake of investigation, Natsuki really hoped that Mai could put the wariness aside and work well with Shizuru-san.
The lunch went rather smoothly if Natsuki could say. Mai was just focused on her lunch and the only conversation that occurred was between Shizuru and her.
When they finished their lunch, Natsuki suggested that they visit the first crime scene and then the second.
"The first and second crime scenes are further away. It will be easier if we drive there." Shizuru suggested.
"We can do that. It would save us some time." Natsuki agreed. They wouldn't want to waste time walking.
Mai, who had been quiet all along, walked towards Natsuki's bike and took out her helmet.
"There are three of us but two seats available." Mai said and gave a goading smile as she put on the helmet. "That means one of us would have to find a way to get there. See you later Viola-san."
With a quick movement, Mai swung herself onto the bike, showing how familiar she was when it came to riding Natsuki's bike.
If possible, Natsuki really wanted to put her palm to her face. Here she thought that Mai was over her snappy mode but boy was she wrong. She was just waiting for the right moment to goad Shizuru.
Natsuki glanced at Mai and sighed.
But Mai ignored it and stared ahead. No way was she getting off the bike for that Viola Shizuru.
"Gomenei Shizuru." Natsuki was apologising on behalf of Mai, for being rude, and also apologising for not being able to drive Shizuru over. "I will drive Mai over first and I will come back to fetch you over. Just give me a few minutes."
Shizuru smiled and shook her head. "Don't worry about me. I have a car parked near here. You can go over first and I will be there soon."
"You sure?" Natsuki asked as she searched Shizuru's face for any signs of displeasure.
Both Mai and Shizuru were her friends. She knew Mai since they were cadets at the police academy and they had been working together ever since. And Shizuru, she would like to consider Shizuru her friend too, even though they only knew each other for a short while. Shizuru saved her on multiple occasions and she was ever grateful for that.
"Yes. Don't worry. I will be there shortly." Shizuru smiled and gave Natsuki a gentle push towards the bike.
Shizuru smiled and watched as Natsuki relented and drove off with Mai.
But when they disappeared into the distance, the smile turned a slightly dangerous edge.