Here it is . . .the final chapter. Maybe I will write an epilogue, but I'm not sure right now . . .

Enjoy this (final?) chapter and please leave a review.

Disclaimer: Sunrise owns Mai Hime

Chapter 14:

The rest of the day went by really fast. Natsuki had to endure a lot of teasing from her new girlfriend and from Duran. He almost every hour told her, that he hadn't slept, because she and Shizuru were so busy earlier that day.

All day long she kept a dark blush onto her face. Facing the truth that it would be most likely permanent by now.

Later that night, true to her word, Shizuru had pounced on Natsuki and returned the earlier teasing in full.

After an exhausting love-making session they both fell asleep in each others arms.

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The next morning Shizuru was the first to wake up. She felt the protective hug of her cute little puppy and smiled. Never in her life had she felt so save or wanted. Natsuki's love was the best thing, that had ever happened to her. She kissed the blunette softly onto her forehead, seeing a small blush adorning Natsuki's cheeks.

Ara. . . She is even blushing in her sleep? I will definitely tease her about this. She smiled.

Hearing a faint ringing sound, she sighed, but stood up, so the noise wouldn't wake up her sleeping lover.

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"Fujino speaking?"

"Good morning Fujino-san."

"Ara . . . good morning Sears-san. May I ask why you call at such an early hour?"

"I just wanted to ask how things are going with you and your girl? And I wanted to warn you."

"Warn me . . . why?"

"Because you and wolf girl are still in danger. The organisation; which sent this green-haired psycho after you; is still trying to get Natsuki's powers. So you should be careful. I don't know what they are up to but . . . if I get new information I will call you. So . . . see ya."

"W-wait. . . where did you get this information?"

"That's my secret. Goodbye"

"W-w-wait . . ." But it was too late. The other woman had hung up on her. Mh. . . who is she and why is she helping us? I don't understand her.

She was still deep in thought, as she reacted to the knocking sound coming from the front door. So, without hesitation, she opened the front door and was faced by a dark-haired man wearing a suit.

"Good morning beautiful lady." Just as Shizuru wanted to answer, she was knocked out cold. It happened all so fast, there was no way she could have prevented the attack. Her last thought as darkness engulfed her was: Natsuki. . .

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Meanwhile Natsuki awoke from her deep slumber, missing the warmth of her companion.

"Shizuru?"

Not getting a response she sleepily rubbed her eyes and stood up to search for her lover. Something about this whole situation smelled fishy. I don't smell any food nor do I hear any sounds in the house. What's going on?

She wanted to go at first into the kitchen, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the front door was wide open. Two different smells still lingered in the air. One was Shizuru's. She knew her smell by heart by now. The other one she didn't know, but her heart started beating painfully against her chest. No . . . please . . . Shizuru. . .

She reached the door just in time to see two women climbing out of a car. She knew the two. They were at Shizuru's side as she found her in the cave. What are they doing here?

"Shit, we are too late?"

"Yes it seems so, ojou-sama."

Natsuki heard the small conversation. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. So she strode over to both woman and asked.

"Where is Shizuru?!"

"I knew, that something like this would happen, so I called her a few minutes ago, but obviously I was too late. Sorry to say this, but your precious lover got kidnapped by the same organization the green-haired woman belonged to."

"What?!" This was a joke right? Just as she thought everything would be fine something like this happened.

Hearing the noise outside Duran ran up to his sister to protect her, if necessary.

"What's going on here sister?"

"Shizuru. . . she got kidnapped. I feel so useless. I couldn't protect her like I promised."

Tears wanted to run down her cheeks, but she stopped them. Not wanting strangers to see her in a weakened state.

"Then we have to find her! Hey you. . . do you know where she is?"

"Maybe. . . I think it is worth a try."

"Ok then you will lead us. Natsuki get a grip. We will find her and kill those bastards, who try to hurt you both!"

"Yes you are right! Let's go!"

With new hope and a goal in front of her Natsuki was determined to save Shizuru at all costs.

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In a dark factory somewhere outside of town Shizuru was bound at a chair. She scanned her surroundings but found nothing to be helpful. She sighed inwardly. I should have listened to Sears-san more closely. She said we were in danger and I just opened the door without thinking. Natsuki. . . gomen. . .

"Don't look so sad." A voice sounded through the darkness.

Then she saw the same man, who greeted her at her door standing a few feet away from her.

"You won't be alone for long. Your lovely dog will join us soon." He smiled evilly towards Shizuru.

"What do you want?" She asked, grateful that her voice didn't display her inner fear.

"I want her power. And as long as I have you, she will do everything in order to guarantee your safety."

"No . . . she wouldn't help you full fill your evil plans."

"We will see. If she refuses then we can still kill you and try to extract her powers with a few little experiments. But unfortunately that would be her death." He laughed and returned back into the darkness to wait for the upcoming events.

Oh Natsuki. . . please stay away. I'm not worth to be saved. Please don't come here.

But Shizuru knew that her pleading would be meaningless. She could feel that Natsuki was on her way to rescue her. Nothing would stop her.

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Natsuki's heartbeat was painfully fast. She hoped that Shizuru was alright. Shizuru . . . don't worry I will definitely rescue you.

"By the way. Why are you helping us?" Natsuki's curiosity got the better of her, so she asked the blonde the question, she so badly wanted to ask, since they first met.

"Let's just say I hate this organization more than anything else and I couldn't waste just a good opportunity to get back at them."

"Get back? What do you mean?"

"That's none of your business!" The voice was strong and Natsuki knew that further questions wouldn't do anything good, so she kept quiet.

"Miyu? How long?"

"Approximately 30 minutes, oujou-sama."

"Good."

Natsuki started fidgeting in her seat. The minutes passed by painfully slow. If she could, she would ride with Duran and just burst in to this building to save her loved one. But all people around her convinced her, that this was not such a good idea.

They had to surprise their enemies to get an upper hand. Even Duran agreed with this blonde-haired child.

"Everything ok sister?" Duran was concerned. He could feel the strong emotions coming from her sister. She had to control this emotions in order to control the situation and not do something drastic.

"Yes I am ok. Just worrying about Shizuru. If I get this bastard, who did this to her, I will rip him to pieces!"

"I know how you feel. But try to control your anger. I don't want you to rush into something and get you both hurt or even worse dead."

"Mh . . . ok."

The rest of the drive was in silence. All occupants thinking about their own feelings, problems or plans.

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Back at the factory Shizuru sat in her chair and thought about the events, that happened the last few days. What did I do to deserve such a fate? I just want to be happy. Is that too much to ask? Sigh. Hopefully this is all over soon and I can live together with my Natsuki in peace.

She heard a low voice, that interrupted her thoughts. Her head moved into the voice's direction.

"Don't worry. Just a few minutes and your bodyguard will be here. To tell you the truth I'm quite curious about her decision. I mean, it is not bad to work for our organization."

"Natsuki won't even consider working for you!"

"You sure? We will see. Even if she refuses to work with us we will just kill her. And I think I will kill her first. I want to watch your face, when her life leaves her body. Ha ha ha."

Shizuru was speechless. No. . . She couldn't bear to see her Natsuki die.

"Ah . . . finally. . . showtime."

He walked beside Shizuru and waited for the door to open.

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Natsuki was relieved, that they finally arrived at the old factory. Gah. . . it smells terrible.

"Hey wolf girl."

"Don't call me that! What is it?"

"We will wait here. If you need help . . . "

"I don't need your help! I am capable of saving Shizuru alone!"

"As you wish."

"Duran let's go!"

"Hai sister."

So they both made their way to the big steel door and opened it. The door screeched loudly, so that the surprise was instantly gone, if there was one to begin with.

The first thing she saw was . . . Shizuru. She is alive. Natsuki wanted to run forward to save her love, but Duran stopped her. He started growling.

Then she saw it too. There, beside Shizuru, stood a man in a black suit. Sniffing the air, she knew immediately, who this man was. This is the one who kidnapped Shizuru. You bastard.

"Hey asshole step away from her, if you want to live a little bit longer!"

"That sounded quite like a threat. I think you don't know who you are talking to! Maybe a little power demonstration is necessary."

He pulled out a small knife and scratched it along Shizuru's neck. A red substance trickling down her neck in the process. Fortunately it was only a small cut, but painful nonetheless. Natsuki saw Shizuru wince, but no sound escaped her mouth.

"You. . . " She stopped mid-sentence, as she saw the knife once more near Shizuru's throat. Instead she just growled at her opponent.

"I see. You are learning very fast." He smiled evilly.

"What do you want? Why are you torturing us like that?"

"Torturing? That is a harsh word. I think playing fits a little bit better, don't you think?"

He got an angry growl in response.

"It doesn't matter, that you not agree with me. I'm in charge here! So. . . now I want to talk a bit about my intentions with you." He looked at the blue-haired woman and then caressed Shizuru's cheek softly. It was quite funny to observe her reaction. If she could, she would kill him in a second. But he had the upper hand and he intended to let it be that way. He took a step away from his captive and started talking.

"Ok I don't like to talk around the topic, so I just tell you. I want you to work for me."

"W-what?!"

"You know, you are unique. Nobody possess this much power. We can make good use of this. There is no way anyone could oppose us, if we have your power. So. . . what do you think? I think you don't have much of a choice, because I have your lovely girl."

"I would never even consider to work for such an ass then you!"

He got really angry upon hearing her response. To show his anger he slapped Shizuru one time really hard across the face. Her lip started bleeding.

If he hadn't still held the knife dangerously near to Shizuru Natsuki would have ripped his head of. This bastard! I get him for hurting Shizuru!

"So I ask you once more. Will you work for us? Think about your answer carefully, because you choose, if she lives or dies." His evil laugh echoed through the huge hall.

"Natsuki, please don't work for them. I don't want to live, if it means you have to work for this bastard!" This earned her another slap across the face.

"Shut up bitch!" He looked back at Natsuki a smirk across his face. "So your answer?"

"My answer is no."

"Too bad . . . I warned you." Without hesitation he pulled out a gun and aimed it at Shizuru.

BANG

The sound echoed through the whole factory. Natsuki wasn't fast enough to react and now she was faced with the lifeless body of her lover. Her life trickling out of the hole in her body. He had shot right through her heart.

Shizuru. . . no. . . no. . .

She couldn't believe this. This must be a dream. A horrible nightmare. Shizuru couldn't be death. Natsuki sunk onto her knees, tears streaming down her face.

"Little one. . . ?" Duran could feel her pain, as if it was his own. Unable to ease her pain, he just stood by her side, watching her breakdown. He felt so useless at the moment.

"So this problem is solved. Now be a good girl and just accept your destiny." The suited man walked slowly into Natsuki's direction, the gun in hand.

If he had been a little bit more intelligent, he would have sensed the dark, threatening aura surrounding Natsuki. Even Duran started trembling.

As the man neared Natsuki's position and wanted to shoot her too, he didn't see the next thing coming. Natsuki materialized her blue glowing sword in a second and sliced the man's arm, holding the gun, off. He was so surprised, that he stumbled over his own feet, as he tried to back away. His right arm and the gun laid next to him on the floor. He hadn't seen this coming. He thought it would be easy to get what he wanted, but he was obviously mistaken.

The blunette woman raised from the floor. Her eyes glowing with fury.

"How dare you hurt my loved one! I will kill you for that! Be prepared!"

The man wanted desperately to escape the wrath of the blue-haired demon. Fortunately he carried another gun. So, as Natsuki lunged forward at him, he fired. The bullet going through Natsuki's right shoulder, not affecting her attack in the slightest. She heaved her sword above his body and swung it down with all her might. Ending his life in a blink of an eye.

Breathing heavily she let the sword disappear and walked carefully over to Shizuru and caressed her cheek gently. She got no response.

"SHIZURU . . ."

She sunk to her knees and held tightly on to the lifeless body of her lover.

"What happened?" The two woman heard the gunshots and decided to look, if everything was alright. Just as they arrived, they hurt the heart-broken scream of Natsuki.

"He killed Shizuru. We were unable to save her." Duran lowered his head, tears shining in his eyes as well.

Both women stood next to the animal in silence. Not wanting to destroy the moment and interrupting Natsuki's grieving.

"Shizuru please don't leave me. Please. . ." Her pleas weren't heard by the beauty in front of her. She felt the body warmth leaving.

She fought all this time alone. Finally she found a person who held her heart and now it was all gone. That can't be! There has to be a way to save Shizuru!

As if the heaven heard her wish a blue light appeared in front of her. It was a beautiful blue colour.

"I will save her."

"D-duran?"

"Yes my sister."

"W-what are y-you doing?"

"I can't bear to see you like this, so I will save Shizuru's life."

"But how?"

Natsuki couldn't see it, but Duran smiled, then answered her.

"I will give her my own life."

"W-what? You can't. . . "

"Natsuki. . . sigh. I was never really meant to be. My existence was pure coincidence. So let me use my life to save your important person . . .please"

"But. . ."

"I am really grateful for the time I could spent with you, even if it was only a short amount of time. I will always be by your side. Never forget that."

"Duran. . ." Natsuki's face was by now tear-stained. She couldn't say a word, but she knew that that wasn't necessary. Duran knew what she felt for him. Her heart spoke the words, her mouth couldn't form.

"Sayonara sister."

"D-duran . . ."

The blue light started to engulf Shizuru's whole body. A few seconds later it vanished completely.

The next thing she saw, was a lightly breathing Shizuru, her wounds gone as well. She was still unconscious, but she was alive.

Natsuki carefully carried her bridal-style out of the building. Passing the two women, who helped saving Shizuru. She thanked them and walked out the door.

A slight movement caused her to look down into the beautiful crimson orbs she loved so much.

"Natsuki. . ."

"You are save Shizuru. Don't worry we are going home now." Shizuru nodded, but felt something wet hit her face. She looked up to see Natsuki's tear-stained face and sad expression.

She knew why Natsuki was so sad. The last thing she remembered, was talking to Duran. He asked her to protect Natsuki in his place.

They would always remember that day, where one person gave up his life to save someone he only met recently.

End.

To sacrifice your life for another person is the noblest thing someone can do.

That's it, for now. . .

Did you like this chapter? I hope it was ok.

Thanks for reading my stories and please keep on reading! :)

OMAKE:

Nao: That was the story?

Author: Yes. Is there a problem?

Nao: There is a BIG problem! . . .Are you nuts, or what?! I only got this small role in your story?! SHIT!

Author: Shizuru and Natsuki were the main characters, so . . .

Nao: Leave me alone with your stupid excuses! Fucking mutt . . .it's always her . . .damn. . .

Author: NAO! Shut up . . .Shizuru will . . . shit . . .too late . . .

Nao: W-wh . . . oh oh . . .hey Fujino . . .

Shizuru: What did you just call my Natsuki? *glares at Nao*

Nao: Uhm . . .I . . .I . . .I said, what a good friend she is . . .*nervous laugh*

Shizuru: I think, you called her a . . .mutt . . .*summons her naginata*

Nao: N-n-no I-I-I w-w-w . . . .*gets sliced in two pieces by Shizuru*

Shizuru: No one calls my Natsuki mutt . . .*Naginata disappears and Shizuru goes back to Natsuki*

Author: Rest in peace Nao . . .

Angel Nao on a cloud ^^: I should have seen this one coming . . . sigh . . .