A/N: Hehehehe…I know it seemed like forever since I last updated this story. Sorry for the wait, but then again…here it is.
WOLF DEVIL WOMAN
Chapter 13
It’s not every day that ‘outsiders’ are allowed inside HiME. Amongst the young ones, they have never known anyone that is so much different from them being admitted at HiME with open arms. Well they know that Mikoto was not from HiME, but she was a warrior like them and she came from the Otome tribe which was their neighboring tribe.
So the recent arrival of females from far away land sent HiME tribe’s people into ‘curious’ mode, hence most of the young HiMEs, the elders, and the warriors are outside Kruger’s house, waiting for their chance to see these ‘extraordinary’ females…especially that who looks like their Great White Wolf.
Inside the humble home of their chieftain Kruger, the five friends: Natsuki, Mai, Nao, Chie and Aoi were sitting on a bench made from bamboo, in front of them was a long table where ‘cha-a’ are served. On the other side of the table were Kruger, Viola and Miss Maria. Viola who looks very much like Shizuru was sipping her ‘cha-a’ while her eyes were on Natsuki. Miss Maria was openly staring at the five visitors but her eyes were landing on Natsuki more. Kruger on the other hand was silent her eyes focused on Natsuki’s own emerald ones.
Shizuru, Arika and Nina were tasked to serve the ‘cha-a’ and some ‘kakanin’ that Viola made while Mikoto was sitting at a ‘bangko’ behind the three older HiMEs, her purpose is for translation of course.
“So this is the Kruger look alike.” Miss Maria broke the silence I wonder if this Natsuki is related to ‘her’, she thought smiling then her eyes darted on Kruger who was still eyeing Natsuki. The younger Kruger version was as stubborn as the older one and she too was eyeing the great white wolf.
Viola looked at the two cobalt haired woman, smiled and shook their head, “And they are both stubborn…as if their staring each other would answer their questions.” Viola said then she returned her attention to the other women before her.
Nao was frowning now and she leaned sideward to whisper on Chie who was by her left side, “Isn’t this a little unfair? They are talking in their tongues and we have no one with us to interpret while they have Mikoto to do that for them?” she asked
Chie looked at Nao and nodded her head in agreement then looked at the crimson eyed older version of Shizuru, “Ano…ah…we were wondering if we too could have our own interpreter?”
Viola chuckled, “I don’t think you need an interpreter, I could speak and understand your language well.” She said smiling
Shizuru, Nina and Arika looked at their mother in surprise, “Ara! How come you never told us about that? I could have learned their language and it would have been easier for my Natsuki!” Shizuru said mirroring her mother’s smile
My Natsuki huh…I wonder if Shizuru has brought that woman here to mate? Miss Maria thought.
“Don’t ara-ara Shizuru, I don’t see any reason for me to teach you a language you’ll never use inside HiME, besides, your Nay doesn’t understand and speak the language so it will be unfair for her that me and all her children knows something she doesn’t.” Viola explained then turned her attention to their guests, “In behalf of my wife, Kruger-san, I would like to thank you for taking care of my daughter Shizuru and our warrior Mikoto.”
“Ah…why I here if Viola know their language?” Mikoto asked in bewilderment
Miss Maria looked back at the small warrior, “Because Viola here forgot to mention to us that she could speak their language, that’s why and because it will look bad on Kruger to let you off the hook! What do you think these women would think if great white wolf here doesn’t know that her own wife could speak another language?”
That pulled Kruger from her staring contest with Natsuki, “Of course I know Viola could speak another language you old hag!” she said a bit angry then glared at her wife whose response was to chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah…and you just placed Mikoto there just because you like it?” Miss Maria argued
Kruger pouted and that made the four outsiders burst into fit of laughter, “Kami-sama! She even pouts like Natsuki!” Mai said laughing.
Natsuki’s eyes widened and she looked at her friends, “I don’t pout like her!!!” she said loudly and she too pouted. Miss Maria and Viola who was watching laughed as well, they actually witnessed the similarity…but the mirror image of Kruger and Natsuki in a pout was definitely something not to be missed.
“How come Saeko-sama don’t pout like Natsuki?” Aoi asked
Viola, Miss Maria and Kruger looked at Aoi, and then Kruger looked at Viola, “Ask her who this Saeko is? Her name sounds familiar.”
Viola eyed her wife before looking at their visitors, “My wife wanted to know who Saeko is?” the older crimson eyed woman translated for Kruger and the three elder women heard a loud sigh coming from their back. Viola looked at Mikoto who looked so bored, “Mikoto, if you like to get out of that chair, you could. I’ll handle the translations from here forth.” She said
That earned her a wide smile from the little warrior and as soon as she was free, she hurriedly came to where the outsiders are and squeezed herself between Mai and Chie, and she latched on Mai’s waist.
Miss Maria and Kruger’s eyes were wide as saucers while Viola was just watching nonchalantly. Arika and Nina were mirroring their Nay’s expression and Shizuru looked excited.
“I see Tomoe will be winning this competition, it seemed our Mikoto have her eyes on this fiery haired one.” Miss Maria said loudly for everyone to hear.
Shizuru and Mikoto frowned, “Tomoe not win!” Mikoto said interrupting the elders.
“Does that mean you are still in the competition?” Viola asked
Mikoto shook her head no, “I don’t like compete to become Shizuru mate! I mate Mai!!!” she said causing Mai to blush.
Kruger was frowning as she waited for the translation from her wife.
“Wait a minute! What are you saying? There will be no competition for Shizuru’s hand!” Natsuki blurted out
“Ara, Natsuki-chan…you should know that we HiMEs have certain cultures and norms that we follow. Shizuru is already at the marrying age, and we have agreed that if she doesn’t find someone she could love and love her in return, then the competition will be done in…” she stopped to think, “Two months!”
Natsuki stood up and hit the table with her palms, “But that’s why I’m here! I came here to ask for Shizuru’s hand in marriage!!!”
Gasps from those who understand…
More frowning from those who don’t…
Sigh from Shizuru and chuckle from Mikoto.
Kruger look at her wife and with a frown asked, “What the hell is happening? What are you talking about?!”
Viola smiled, “Natsuki here said that there should be no competition for Shizuru’s hand since she came here to ask our permission for her to marry our Shizuru.”
“I thought we were still talking about Saeko…how come we arrived at talking about Shizuru getting married and to an outsider at that?” Kruger asked.
Viola shrugged her shoulders, “Beats me,”
Silence as Mai tried to pacify Natsuki, then Kruger looked at Shizuru who has her head bowed down. Arika and Nina were looking at their sister and their Nay, waiting for the outburst.
“Tell me Shizuru, are you in love with this Natsuki?” Kruger wears a smile on her face. Shizuru looked at her Nay then at her mother before nodding her head.
Arika and Nina were stunned…our sister is in love with an outsider!
“And do you know if Natsuki is in love with you?”
Shizuru looked at Natsuki who was glaring dagger at Kruger but seemed unaffected and shook her head no, “I’m not sure Nay…”
Silence
Then Kruger faced Natsuki, “Very well, since you came here all the way bringing you probably witnesses, then I shall announce your intention tomorrow.” She frowned and looked at Shizuru, “Have you mated with her?”
All the HiMEs present except for Mikoto was shocked from Kruger’s question.
“No.” Shizuru answered, shaking her head no as well.
“Viola, tell Natsuki that since our daughter was not sure of her real intentions, that is: Shizuru is not sure whether she is in love with her or not, she have to prove to me that she is worthy of our Shizuru.”
Viola translated
“I’ll do whatever it is to prove that my intention is pure. I want Shizuru to be by my side forever.” Natsuki answered
“But that’s not the point here Natsuki-chan, you’re just like the other warriors here, that’s what they wanted too, the point is Shizuru wants to marry out of love…not out of obligation. So it’s either you are in love with her and she is yours for the taking…or you would have to get her as a prize for the competition.” Viola explained
Silence
“Enough said,” Miss Maria said standing, “Once your intention is announced Natsuki you should be prepared that many of the warriors here would be challenging you. And Tomoe will be the first to do that.” Miss Maria looked at Viola to translate and that she did, “Are you ready to fight for Shizuru?”
“Are you ready for a fight Natsuki-chan?” Viola
Natsuki closed her eyes and the image of Tomoe pummeling her to the ground sent goose bumps all over her body…
“My Natsuki not fight Tomoe! That woman almost killed my Natsuki!” Shizuru said angrily.
Kruger looked at Shizuru then at Viola, “When did you teach her to speak that language?”
Viola smiled and shrugged her shoulders, “I didn’t, perhaps they taught her while she was with them.” She looked at Shizuru, “So you mean, Tomoe and Natsuki already fought and Tomoe almost killed Natsuki?”
Kruger and Miss Maria looked at Natsuki who was quietly thinking.
“Yes, thank God Mikoto was there to save her. I can’t let Tomoe hurt my Natsuki anymore.” Shizuru said sadly.
“But you know that if we announce her intention tomorrow, there will be challenges and if she declines then she can’t have your hand…” Kruger
“She just wanted my hand! I’ll give her my left one! I could still work with only one…” Shizuru said raising her left hand.
Viola laughed, “Oh my God, Zuru…she doesn’t want your hand like that! She wants your hand in marriage! She wants to marry you…mate with you! Like that!”
At Viola’s explanation, Shizuru’s eyes widened in excitement and she unceremoniously lunged herself at the still thinking woman. “Natsuki want mate with Shizuru!” she giggled
Natsuki who was surprised by the taller woman’s sudden presence in her arms hugged back and smiled, “Yes that was why I decided to come here. Natsuki doesn’t want Shizuru to leave so I want to marry you.”
Four sets of eyes looked at Natsuki, “I think we should talk Natsuki-ojousama…” Mai said frowning.
Natsuki looked at her friends then at Viola who was smiling at her. “Sure…no problem Mai.” She said.
Silence
Miss Maria’s sudden departure ended the silence in the room. Kruger and Viola invited their daughters to sit by their side and the Kruger family heard Miss Maria shooing people outside of the house.
“So ask them again about Saeko,” Kruger started, “And tell them to eat the ‘kakanin’, my feelings will be hurt if they don’t touch them.” Kruger added
“My wife wanted you to eat these kakanin I made, they’re just desserts but it’s the only thing we have in such short notice.” Viola smiled, “and Kruger is asking about this Saeko.”
The visitor’s started eating the desserts in front of them, Mikoto trying to spoon fed Mai which delighted Kruger and Viola.
“Oishi!” Mai exclaimed
“Saeko is my mother. She was the other ‘Kruger look alike’ that the warriors who came to our mansion were talking about.” Natsuki frowned, “Me being my mother’s look alike is quite normal, I just can’t help but think that there is someone else in the world that would actually look like us…as in like mirror images.” Natsuki explained
Nao shrugged her shoulders after eating another spoonful of kakanin, “Well there’s always a small probability of that, but the way they are in a place only what? One week apart by foot is quite a puzzle.”
“Natsuki said that Saeko is her mother who Erstin was describing as another Kruger look alike, the other one I assume is her…” Viola translated and pointed a finger at Natsuki, “The red head here was telling about the probability of having mirror images outside of the family being scattered everywhere.”
Then Natsuki eyed Nina, “Nina is your daughter right?” Natsuki waited until Viola nodded her head “She resembles Kruger-san, and in a small way me and my mother too, and Arika almost look like you Viola-sama, I was wondering how does HiME begets their offspring? I mean you are all female here…”
“Unless your tribe is keeping loads of frozen sperms somewhere here, then how could you explain them?” Nao finished for Natsuki.
Viola looked at Kruger, “They are asking how two HiME could give birth to a child.” Viola smiled at her wife who just shrugged her shoulders
“Tell them there are things in this world that can’t be explained even by the most intelligent person, they need to be with a HiME to know that secret.” Kruger said smirking.
“Only HiME know how.” Mikoto said sparing Viola from translating Kruger’s words. “Otome have males so our Tribe could give birth, but Mikoto know secret of HiME.”
Shizuru looked at Mikoto, “How come Mikoto know, Shizuru grow HiME but me not know?” the chestnut haired HiME asked
Viola smiled, “I’ve learned of the secret after I married your Nay Shizuru, so you’ll learn in time…when you get married.”
Their conversation was halted when Haruka entered the house, “Great white wolf, we have already gathered enough warrior to get their machine.” She said, “The look outs spotted two hunting tigresses, and I made the liberty to send them out while the sun is still up.”
Kruger nodded, “Tell them if one of them could come with the warriors,”
Viola looked at Natsuki, “We are to get your machines, Kruger wants to know if someone could come with the warriors? I’m afraid that if you let our warriors pick up your truck by themselves then you might find them as scraps instead of a working one.”
Chie’s eyes widened, “I’ll go…” she then looked at Mikoto, “You Mikoto will be coming with me to translate command!”
Mikoto smiled and unhooked herself from Mai, “Mai not come, danger out there…” the small warrior frown, “You run fast Chie?”
“Why did you ask?” Chie
Viola and Shizuru smiled identically, “They spotted two hunting tigresses out, so you might need to be a fast runner.” Viola explained
Chie’s face paled…
“Don’t worry Chie-chan, I got confidence in you!” Aoi said smiling at her woman.
The tall woman eyed her partner, “You’re riding at the back when we go back to the mansion.” That said, Chie and Mikoto stood up and went along with Haruka.
“Gambatte ne!” Aoi and Mai shouted at their departing lovers.
Silence
“So when are you going to do the right mating ritual Mai-san?” Viola asked grinning.
Purple eye widened and her face becomes red, “Vi…Viola-sama!”
XXX
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to admire your perfect figure.”
The woman turned around stopping her chores and her light brown eyes met that of the other woman’s green orbs, “Are you flirting with me?” she asked
Her face smiled, “Do I need to do that flirting thing with you?” she counter and moved forward, stepping closer to the other woman.
They eyed each other.
“Why are you really here? Have you seen the Kruger look alike?”
“Been there, and yes it is a miracle that she is indeed a look alike of the great white wolf.” Miss Maria said before pulling the other woman closer. The smaller, younger woman draped her arms over the older, taller woman’s neck. “She’s very young though, same age as Shizuru so I couldn’t tell…”
“Do you think she is related to ‘that’ the power mage was talking about?” Yukariko said nuzzling the older woman’s neck.
“Continue doing that Yukariko and I can’t promise you that I’ll behave.” Miss Maria almost chuckled, “I’m not sure, but they talked about this Saeko and Kruger suddenly becomes interested, said the name sounds familiar.”
“So?”
“I’m planning on digging up the power mage’s notes.” Miss Maria said.
“You know you can’t…”
“I can if I get permission from the tribe’s high priestess…”
“You think Midori will give you permission?”
Miss Maria smiled, “That’s why I’m here, you’re the best wine maker here and I could just bribe my way…”
Yukariko grinned, “My, my…Maria going to bribe a priestess with my wine? Is apocalypse coming?”
Miss Maria smirked, “You don’t know half of what I’m capable Yukariko…want to sample some?”
Yukariko gasps when the taller woman ducked low and her lips landed on her expose neck, “For a bottle of my finest wine…why it’s a deal I can’t say no…”
“It is a deal then…”
XXX
Another blonde HiME Sarah plopped down beside the green haired one, “Did you hear?”
“Hear what?” Tomoe asked,
“Those female from that cave you came from, my sister was told that the one that looks like Kruger is here to ask Shizuru’s hand in marriage.” Sarah looked at her friend, “She wanted to mate with Shizuru and it will be announced tomorrow.”
Tomoe’s eyes hardened, “She can’t have Shizuru, she have to go over me first and she got nothing on me. I could pummel her with my bare fist.”
Silence
“But what if Kruger announced that Shizuru will be mating with that Natsuki woman? What will you do?”
Tomoe stood up, “I’ll concede only if that Natsuki beat me on a HiME competition.” She bowed down, “I know damn well that I love Shizuru more than anyone, if she could top that by beating me then I’ll concede, I’ll make Kruger see that.”
Silence
“Erstin told me that Shizuru is in love with Natsuki, Arika told her that Shizuru confessed to Kruger…will you still take her if you beat Natsuki to this game?” Sarah asked worried.
Tomoe stopped her slow walk and without looking back she said, “She’ll learn to love me, after she see how much I love her…she’ll get over it and return my feelings.” She then continued her walk until she disappeared from Sarah’s sight.
I wish for once that you’re wrong my friend…Shizuru won’t be the same if she ends up with you.Sarah thought before she too stood up and headed home.
XXX
It has been a long day for the non HiME women. Chie arrived driving her SUV, the warriors inside cheering. Now the five friends were inside a room with three beds. The room they’re occupying are Arika, Nina and Shizuru’s, but the three sisters decided to sleep with their Nay and mother while their guests are there. Kruger ordered the tribe’s builders to build a guest ‘kubo’ for the five women that will be located near their own house, and as soon as it is build, the group will move there with their things.
Chie and Aoi were sharing one bed, Natsuki occupied one, Nao another one. Mai decided to stay at Mikoto’s own house but was still with her friends because of the ‘talk’ they needed to do.
“What’s wrong with you Natsuki?” Mai asked frowning
Natsuki looked at her fiery haired friend, “What are you talking about?”
“You came here to ask for Shizuru’s hand in marriage!” Mai said
Natsuki sat up and rests her back on the wall, “Yeah so?”
“Oi pup, I didn’t know that you’ll be that cruel.” Nao said.
“Cruel? How so?” Natsuki asked irritated.
Chie looked at Natsuki who was on the other side of the room, “I might not get what they say Natsuki, but I could see that they learned of Shizuru’s feelings towards you.” She said
“Yeah, and from the look I saw, that woman is in love you…”
“That’s why I’m here asking for her hand in marriage!” Natsuki said
“Didn’t you listen to Viola-sama?” Mai, “She said Shizuru wanted to marry out of love! Meaning she wanted to marry someone who she loves and loves her in return dufus!”
“Hey!” Natsuki
“I understand from your kind of reasoning that you’re only doing this because you don’t want Shizuru to leave by your side, because you don’t want her to go back here at HiME.” Nao said a bit irate.
Silence
“Are you in love with Shizuru?” Aoi asked
Natsuki frowned, “I don’t know…I have no idea how it felt to fall in love. I haven’t been in love yet.”
Silence
“You see, there’s only one way that Kruger-sama will discontinue the event, and that is if you also share the feelings of Shizuru, if not then you’ll be treated like everyone else here in HiME. You will announce your intention and the others will have to chanllenge you.” Chie said.
“And your greatest contender is Tomoe.” Nao added, “Can you take her on?”
Silence once again
“I could just say I’m in love with Shizuru too and that will end the problem.”
“That’s unfair.” Mai said, “What if you got your way and sooner or later you feel that you’re not really in love with Shizuru, what will happen to her then? Will you just send her back here because you don’t want her by your side anymore?”
“No! I want her to be with me! I do, I felt like I’m going to die when she said she’s coming back here! I want her with me all the time…”
“And…” Nao
“I’m just not sure if what I’m feeling is love, you know…I don’t have any basis…”
“Then you don’t have any choice, you will fight for her if you want her to be with you.” Chie said, “You have to challenge every warrior here who wanted the same thing as you.”
No answer
And soon Mai said her good night and they all slept.
-End Chapter 13-