My dearest apologies to all my readers who have been waiting for so long for an update. Believe me when I say life has been hectic. But more over the way I decided to go with this story has been a bigger challenge. I had to study not one but a few nation's history, and I would like to warn you that what you are about read is not correct to chorological history. But the error percent, I tried my best to keep very small. Hope you enjoy the story, and hope you keep on encouraging me with your comments and messages.

I do have good news on the side. From now on this story will be updated regularly and in 15 days period. But the chapters will be much much shorter. I think it will be better from both of us, ne?

Thank you once again for your dedication in the story... I love you fanfic monsters.

-CRAMOISI-

chapter 7

-:-

It was a balmy July night in Paris. The humidity in the air was tantalizing the souls, but more importantly it was the rumors that boiled the minds of France...

A man of insignificant and short measurements whether it is physical or intellectual, was rushing down the known streets of Paris, in aims to reach his master. His name was Duclos, but he is not important to our story, except for the message he is about to receive.

''Monsieur, may I have a moment? It is of urgency.''

Duclos turned his head only to find a sizeable man in rags. He did not have time to spend a franc for the lost souls of this chimerical metropolis, therefore he dismissed the newly arrival at his left.

''The message is for the Marguerite family, sir.''

At that he halted midway. Turned with a quizzical look as if to question the stranger's existence in correlation to the wealthiest family in the city.

''What is it man?'' he asked.

''The Bolsheviks sire. Tell the senator they've taken action. Most drastic. Russians are at the tip to be turned, we await orders. Goodnight sire.''

And just like that the man was one with the shadows.

Duclos stood in his place, mid alley, thinking over the words he had just heard. His small eyes had widened a second later. It was a curious image for the by standers, to see a man running the streets like a welshman.

-:-

Only three years ago train stations all over Europe had echoed with the sound of leather boots and the clattering of weapons as millions of enthusiastic young soldiers had mobilized for the most glorious conflict since the Napoleonic Wars. The Marguerite family had been hesitant in the matters of this conflict, and they were right to do so. They were a family of great power, and with great power came the responsibility to make the right choice once, and stand behind it till death.

As time had shown though, they were actually very wise to do so. Not only had their voice became more powerful, but the ears willing to listen them in the affairs of the state had multiplied beyond imagination.

By not taking a side, or any action they had won the nation's heart, and validation of wisdom. After all it was thanks to Marguerite family that the 'Schleiffen Plan' had not worked as the Germans had planned...
It was due to the underhanded schemes of the Marguerite family that the partial German success had failed in it's ultimate goal of knocking the French army out of the incoming war early.

And now the Marguerite family declared, it was time. Time to take action.

In the spot light stood none other than Tomoe Marguerite. The celebrated daughter of the proclaimed libertinage; Théodore Marguerite. But the shinning idol knew the other side of the coin first handed. After all it was she who had made sure to never loose her spot in politics, whether it meant to plot or sabotage against her countrymen till her means of conduct was successful...

But that is a story in itself all together, and by all means not ours to tell.

Currently Tomoe Marguerite was in the moment of cuffing her trousers of Art Nouveau fashion when she thought over the letter she received a day ago. The signature in the end belonged to none other than Mata Hari. The second most known female entity of Paris. To some she was a free spirited bohemian; to others she was a wanton, a promiscuous woman and a dangerous seductress.

Tomoe Marguerite was one of the few who knew the real identity of the woman, yet she did not plan to share this knowledge. Yet. Not even to the woman herself. She had learned well from her father. 'Never shed light to a piece of information, unless it is of use to you.' So far, Tomoe had decided it was not of any use. She had bigger plans then to tell a spy whom she really had been working for. Plus, the woman was beautiful. It would have been a pity.

Their paths were fated to cross, as the women had become a courtesan to many known military names and politicians of Paris. She had climbed the ladders of power from a mere circus and used her body efficiently to reach the shiniest marbles of Paris. It had been 3 years since Tomoe Marguerite had met the woman, and she smirked at the thought of the first night they had shared. A free-minded woman indeed Mata Hari was, for Marguerite had the liberty to conduct passions she had never done before.

That was of course before she had met Lady Viola...

Pity, she thought to herself. She could have made Mata Hari a long life mistress, but she knew better to delight even in the thought of it. After all Tomoe Marguerite's passion in life had changed drastically two years ago when she had met the infamous Lady Viola in the grand ball, accompanying the Kanzaki family prodigy.

A blaze had burnt down her insides when she had met with the alluring crimson of the mysterious woman. There and then she had concluded her life's passion to make the woman hers. Hers, and only hers. Family, politics, and money had only been in her life so that she can be in that ball two years ago. So that her fate could cross paths with the seductress that danced with the name Viola...

''Viola...'' she tried the name in her mouth, and felt it smeared with honey. Her secretion glands worked over load, thus she gulped the sweet sensation in.

What woman could have been more enchanting, more soul scorching than Viola...

''None.'' She concluded.

True, the woman was powerful. And thus could have been easily labeled a threat in her greater plans. But she had tested Viola many times, and it had only showed Tomoe what a valuable asset the woman was. How many times had she used Viola and Cramoisi in the matters of the state, she had lost the count.

From the day Tomoe opened up her intentions to Viola, the woman had been nothing but her accomplice in achieving them. Some she admitted, could not even be possible if it hadn't been for the crimson-eyed goddess.

Which was precisely why her father also believed her daughter should be legally tied with the famous courtesan. Scratch that, she thought to herself.

''Viola is much more than that...''

There was a knock on her door, said Marguerite knew very well to whom it belonged.

''Come in Duclos.''

The short man appeared all too suddenly. His actions contradicted his previous, as he seemed hesitant to take another step inside. So he stood right in the intersection.

''What is it Duclos?'' she asked without turning her head.

''M-my l-lady, I-I have news, alt-although I am not sure of their cr-cr-credibility.'' The men gave a puff of air to have successfully taken the words out of his mind. For him, it was a tedious task.

Tomoe Marguerite smiled. Many had thought Duclos to be a useless servant, but she knew better. Duclos was an idiot. And an idiot man would never dare to backstab their masters.

''What news is this?''

''M-my lady. A man said t-that the B-b-bolsheviks took action! A-and most drastically!''

At that Tomoe Marguerite turned immediately, Duclos seemed to perspire excessively. His hands were shaky and his face was a dark shade of red. He must have been running.

''Speak man! What is the news exactly!'' she walked quickly and grabbed the short man by his collars. She yanked the man's face close to hers, her eyes burning to get out information not told by the tongue.

''T-that i-it was time f-for tip o-over. T-that they waited a-actions! N-n-nothing else m-my l-lady! J-just that and t-the man was gone!''

Tomoe paused in her actions, her brain quickly processing many assumptions. She let go of her servant. Wiped her hands clean of the man's sweat and turned her back, walked briskly to her desk and reached for the quill.

''Go to Kanzaki residence; tell him to appear at the Cramoisi tonight. Tell him to alert the core group, and tell him it's of urgency. It's the only place we can talk tonight.''

She turned and extended her hand holding a piece of paper to be delivered.

''Oh, and tell Kanzaki to bring Hallard. She maybe new, but she qualifies, and it is time she set foot to Cramoisi.''

The man hesitantly reached for the paper.

''Go on man!'' the woman shouted and just like that Duclos rushed out of the manor.

Tomoe Marguerite gradually turned, and slowly walked inside her room and sat on her chair contemplating.

''Funny...'' she voiced to the now empty room.

Only three hours ago Mikoto, one of Lady Viola's servants, had made an appearance informing that Lady Viola would be delighted if her presence was avaible tonight.

''Too good to be coincidence, Viola. What do you know that I don't, my love? I know you shall tell me in good time.''

Viola already seemed fed with information, and to that Tomoe only smiled. Oh how, she loved her woman.

Next, young Marguerite reached for the letter on her desk, which was from the other seductress. She felt the cotton paper between her fingers before crumbling it into ball and throwing it to a near by basket.

Mata Hari would be dealt with later. At the moment she needed to be prepared.

''The time has come father. The time has come for the Valkyries…''

-:-

Some would describe dancing as the most intimate form of conversation. If that were the case, the couple standing in the middle of the garden was suffering to form a single sentence.

From where Marguerite Tomoe was standing the pair looked ridiculous. Hence her growing smirk...

From Nao's point of view the couple suffered a serious case of movement disorders.

And if James Parkinson had in fact lived some more to see this dance, he would have thought of it to be a mock on his most famous essay 'The Shaking Palsy.'

When Viola applied pressure to her neck, Natsuki R. Kuga realized her postural hunch and straightened up immediately. When Viola squeezed her hand to point a direction, she realized her impaired balance and tried her best in means to reach equilibrium. But Viola's little hints fell short when it came to relax her trembling hands, rigidity or the stiffness of her limbs.

Thus, it was acknowledged by popular vote that Natsuki Rothschild Kuga could not dance, at all. So when the dance ended, folks of the Cramoisi clapped for a sheer simple reason; the fact that it had finally ended.

''I'm sorry. I-It was a mistake. '' The words swung their way into Viola's ears, while she simply looked at the blunette in front of her. She felt her hand fall loose from the previous gentle hold. The said blunette took a step back, her eyes never meeting with her Lady's.

A mist of a smile appeared on the corner of Viola's lips, as she in return took a step forward. Her hands snaked their way back to the delicate neck. She took her time; basking in the easiness due to Natsuki's stupefy.

Her head descended just a little to utter words in confidentiality.

''I most certainly do not know what was in Natsuki's mind if she were such a horrible, terrible, one can say almost catatonic, dancer to shame both of us.''

She grinned when the body so close to her stiffened even more in the flash of a lightning. She waited half a second to her pleasure before going on,

''Ara, in the aftermath of it, I think I have the right to very well hold..''

Viola's hand slowly moved south from the blunette's neck, passing the smooth back to finally reach its destination,

''..this pretty little ass accountable for the mistakes made by the head. No? ''

There was an interesting pause before the blunette could react.

''Wha-I-a-no-I-!''

''Well it was a nice try kid!'' They were interrupted by the cheerful voice of the prominent figure Marguerite Tomoe. Both heads turned, one radiating a serene smile, while the other of a scorn.

''Ara ara, we are all maidens till we became Messalinas, Senator.'' Viola's eyes flashed like of a wild cat's. The senator so mesmerized could only smile from ear to ear, nodding and extending her arm to continue back the party with her object of affection.

''Shall we continue the party Viola? I have some friends I would very much like you to meet. Also Kanzaki just arrived. Thus, your immediate presence is required my goddess.''

The senator looked like an impatient little kid, excited to show off her prized toy. But appearances could be deceiving.

''Always in a hurry, always in a rush Senator. Well, who can blame you, we are the human race after all...''

Viola only half turned towards the blunette before taking the Senator's arm and slowly making her way towards a small crowd. Tonight was not the night to take joy. Tonight... Well, it was the first move of her chess game, and she had already lost precious time following after her new toy.

Funny how a beautiful girl could easily confuse her priorities.

'Ara not to worry, the pieces has just arrived and my chessboard is set.'

With those thoughts she grew part with her toy and focused her attention on the party she was about to approach.

Natsuki was left behind with many companions known to the world as emotions. Anger seemed to make an appearance whenever this Senator showed up. Shame was the shy companion who would hide behind, all the while lust was crawling at the door to be admitted into company.

Her paranoid self felt all eyes on her, so without delay she hurried out of the garden. She did not have a destination, but as it appeared she did not need one. Her body collided with another just as she was about to step inside the manor.

''W-watch i-'' Natsuki's words were cut due to most eccentric pair of eyes. She found herself unable to move, and just staring.

''-grey.'' Her mind pointed out. Her hands too late to stop her mouth, could only reach the lips a second late.

''Lu.'' The other responded in an entertained fashion.

''Huh?'' Natsuki immediately took a step back, not knowing where to place her hands or legs. She decided her pants pockets were a good cover for her hands, but what to do with her feet?

''It's Anh Lu.''

A warm hand reached out to tip Natsuki's chin off the ground, and the blunette was once again facing the odd fact; grey eyes. What was it with the genes of this country?

''And you are?''

Natsuki slowly reached for the hand on her chin and broke the contact, letting the woman's soft hand fall back to her side.

''Umm, Kuga. Natsuki Kuga. Aand-I'm sorry. For, you know, almost running you over, I suppose. ''

The more she kept talking, the more Anh Lu smiled. The more Anh Lu smiled, the less Natsuki was able to hold her composure. When she finished mumbling her apology, she was already starting to light up like a Christmas tree.

She mimicked the smile, and not able to continue her words, her hand found comfort in scratching her neck.

''Apology accepted.''

Natsuki looked up immediately with an unidentified ease of conscience.

And it was then; she really looked at the woman, no, the girl in front of her.

Beautiful... She echoed, and this time kept it where it belong; inside her head. Anh Lu could not be much older than her, she decided immediately.

'If anything she looks younger than me..'

The girl's composure looked more celestial than mortal, and those grey eyes did nothing but confirm her thoughts.

But the real question still remained inside Natsuki's mind.

'What is such a decent looking, and mannered girl doing in a place like this? And this time of the night?'

These questions must have reflected on her face, for Natsuki heard a gentle laughter.

''Has anyone ever commented on your lack of poker face?'' the girl asked with a playful tone.

''Umm, yes?'' she replied honestly.

They had been standing at an intersection, Natsuki realized.

''Sorry, you were going out? Everybody's at the garden.'' She moved sideways to grant the passage she had been blocking. But the girl never moved.

''And why is Kuga not in the garden if everybody are?'' the girl turned towards the blunette, obviously not planning to move out of the blunette's company some time soon.

Natsuki oblivious to this, turned to look back at the garden, internally searching for an answer at the question herself.

''Well, I think I made enough of an appearance for one night...'' She mumbled while her body took a step towards the outside. Her eyes looked, but not seeing. Only when her search stopped at her Lady did she realize her actions and turned immediately to her company, who had taken a step closer to stand by the blunette's back to peek as well.

''Ugh.'' She froze when she found her body just a foot away from the new stranger.

''I see.'' Anh Lu took a step back, again adorning a playful smile.

''You see what?'' A frown appeared on the blunette's face, suspicious of the all-knowing nature of the girl.

''Why don't Kuga accompany me to the garden, and I will tell her then?''

''Natsuki. Just call me Natsuki.'' The said girl sighed, shaking her head side ways in mild fashion.

''Is it a yes then... Natsuki?'' the girl started walking towards the garden, and stopped midway to find an internally arguing blunette.

''What the hell.'' Natsuki mumbled to her self and moved to the girl's side, finding an arm slipping to hers immediately. Natsuki planned on commenting on the girl's ever so intimate display, but decided against it for the while. Perhaps this was a supposed display in receiving customers.

She didn't have single a plan at mind when she had decided to run out of the garden after all. And if there was a non-threatening girl asking for her company, it validated in Natsuki's mind as a possible time killer.

They silently made their way to the garden fountain, which was not occupied. Natsuki turned her head to look at the crowd short distance away.

''Are you not going to join them?'' she asked as the girl in front of her only replied by sitting on the moist marbles.

''Her skin is of a dazzling whiteness is it not?''

The question puzzled Natsuki as she turned her body back to her company. Anh Lu motioned her to sit next to her. Natsuki found herself following orders gracelessly.

''Who?'' She asked afterwards, not able to decipher the young girl's mysterious monologue.

But the girl was not looking at her. Rather she was admiring the little stones inside the fountain. She dipped her hand into the water, only to raise it back holding a perfectly smooth white stone.

''Nature stands dull in comparison.'' Anh Lu smiled and reached for the blunette's hand. She turned it upwards and Natsuki slowly opened her palm as a natural reflex. The cold stone was placed in the middle of her palm, and her fingers closed around it.

''Do all of you city folks talk in riddles then?''

Lu, raised her hand to hide her laughter to no avail.

The uncontrollable, unexpected laughter gave away their presence to other occupants of the Cramoisi.

''Upps. I guess we got caught.'' The girl stood up smiling when she realized people walking towards their way. ''It was nice talking to you Natsuki. I'll make sure to catch you later.''

''Anh!'' came the cries of the notorious twins of the Cramoisi from short distance.

Before leaving though the girl bent her body once again to face a sitting, unprepared Natsuki.

''We can talk about our secret crushes no?''

And just like that Natsuki was once again left behind, puzzled. She watched as the twins jumped on the newcomer.

Her eyes drifted back at the object hidden in her palm. She felt its surface with her thumb.

'Nature could not possibly compete huh?'

'Perhaps...'

Her eyes moved until they stopped on their desired destination once again.

The dress Lady Viola adorned tonight had been sewn precisely for one reason; to let the viewer's imagination apprehend all thought and action, and focus on one thing only; that is to fill in mind what was not seen by the eyes.

It might have looked too conventional when viewed from upfront. But when Viola turned, the low cut of the dress, the decolleté... It looked, as if Moses split open night, to a sea of pearl dust. The black fabric of the dress only kissed back again just above the woman's sculpted bottom.

For many, it was the first time they would learn Lady Viola had dimples. The dimples of Venus, to be precise. The sagittally symmetrical indentations winked to all those who passed by. And made sure to stop their hearts along the process.

Natsuki found her palm closing on the stone. She closed her eyes as she remembered their embarrassing dance.

She had touched that back.

However accidental it may have happened, she had touched it.

And when her trembling fingers had swayed lower, they had fallen perfectly to the dip of the dimple. It had burnt her fingertips.

How could she even move let alone dance after that?

As her body temperature rose, she took a long waited breath in, and held it for as long as se could.

'Perhaps nature does not stand a chance. But neither do I. And it's stupid to think of her.'

When she opened her eyes she no longer looked at her Lady, but to her friends that were laughing and conversing a short distance away.

'I need to let go of these foolish thoughts. It's this place. Living here is making me think of things I would never before.'

-'You sure about that Suki?'

'Not you again! Yes, I'm sure. Now let's close this subject.'

-'What of Alyssa then? Did we not in the past had parallel thoughts of what you have right now?'

'You know what? Yes we did jackass. And look where it gotten us. She left. She abandoned us. So it was the only good thing that I never voiced them! It's the same now. This place is just a phase in my life for better or the worse. So why should I fucking think about thoughts, or wishes, or feelings? They never help, they only fuck me more.'

Natsuki may not have voiced those thoughts, but the energy she spent was visible on the outside. The girl was breathing hard, and her face contorted to misery.

'This is stupid.'

When Natsuki raised her body, there were no remains of her inner turmoil. Her hand moved to wipe her invisible stress. And she walked towards her friends with determination.

Only one person among the crowd had witnessed the usually cold blunette's display. And she would not have noticed it, if she herself were not a master in detecting the torment of buried feelings.

But Viola had witnessed the unseeing gaze of the emerald eyes just after they had left her direction. Transfixed, the blunette looked inward or into great distance.

'She is like a separate planet, surrounded by an aura of her own, a law unto herself is she not? Na-tsu-ki..'

A warm smile appeared on the beautiful face, and crimson drifted away.

-:-

An hour later, Natsuki was sitting crossed leg among a group of people which included the twins, her arrival partner Aoi, the ever so calm Yukino, some strangers, which seemed to be the customers of low value whom Natsuki not cared to know by name, and Anh Lu.

However may Natsuki wanted to give attention to what Yukino was saying, her attention was cut short due to two things; first was the ever progressive hands of one Marguerite Tomoe in the distance. Second and the most prominent was the warm back of another touching hers.

Yukino and some man were talking about the... -honestly Natsuki did not know. She was successfully nodding to all that was being said to her. But every two minutes she would turn her head back slightly, to see Anh Lu comfortably leaning to her back and obviously not planning to move.

Distracted by her current situation Natsuki decided to take some measures. She first focused her intents on the handsome customer that had been trying to get her attention for a while. Giving one of her decent smiles, she nodded to the man's speech only to interrupt it.

''Monsieur, if it's possible could you bring me a drink?'' she asked in her best.

All too soon the man raised himself towards an antique table that held almost every brand of liquor possible.

''I have never witnessed a courtesan giving orders to her subject.''

Natsuki's plan of action was interrupted by the playful whisper from behind. She paused in terror as to the truth of the words. Her body stiffened as she heard a clear laughter following.

''Just joking. Has Natsuki not noticed yet?''

She felt Anh Lu's head drop lightly to the back of her shoulder, and turned to whisper in curiosity.

''Notice what?''

''What you did seconds ago, was the utter Cramoisi thing to do.''

The answer had only raised more questions in the blunette's head.

''The Cramoisi thing? What the heck is that?'' She turned back to Yukino to judge if she had in fact made a mistake. But Yukino only smiled kindly as if to say there wasn't any problem worth addressing. So she quickly turned her attention back to the parasite on her back.

''And do you not have somewhere else you can lean on to? It's distracting.''

The last sentence was not to be ushered in the original plan but when was Natsuki Kuga ever able to follow through a plan...

''I am glad, for I do not think the bark of a tree to be comfortable in the slightest.''

Natsuki waited for the answer to her prior question but understood the girl's silence when she saw the man approaching. The only thing left to do was to sigh in defeat, and scoff. She did just that.

''Here you go beautiful.'' The handsome man presented a crystal glass to the said girl.

''Hope it pleases you.'' And to that a charming smile followed.

At that moment Natsuki understood her mistake and wished to punch herself as well as the man in front of her. She had just given him a reason to better acquaintance!

'Damn my stupid logic. Stupid stupid stupid! Ugh. I should really learn some serious swear words.'

She muttered a small thank you, trying very hard to keep a somewhat decent face. Thankfully the twins who decided to add themselves to their conversation released the charged moment.

''This is Natsuki. She is new! Isn't she wildly attractive?'' asked Callia with apparent joy.

''Oh, Jesus...''

Natsuki's head was about to fall when she heard the man intending to actually response to the ridicule. She knew very well what was coming.

''I ver-''

But the man was cut short by the fiercest glare he had ever received since his mother. He quickly cleared his voice and re-thought on how he planned to spend the rest of his night.

Certainly not by being beaten to a pulp. Was that even possible? Certainly he did not wish to lend his fate to luck.

''Aa-um. I think I just saw my friends in the distance. Excuse me.'' And just like that the man stood up and walked away.

Natsuki was still glaring to the back of the man walking away, when she heard Yukino's calm voice.

''That is not good for the business now Natsuki, is it?''

The blunette snapped out of her reverie, only to bow her head like a little child.

''Sorry Yukino..'' she murmured.

''Don't be Natsuki!'' Adele's arms sneaked around the blunette's torso and a not so innocent kiss was planted on her cheek.

''Adele!''

The rest was mostly giggles and more cackles, until Natsuki was back to her normal color.

The group continued their conversation with another party of strangers, but thankfully Natsuki was not involved. The twins took care of the high profile customers and Natsuki smiled when at one point the twins declared themselves the princess of a certain ambassador's home country.

''You the tailor made spoilt twins? Princesses? Hahaha! Show some mercy to this country!''

All heads rose at the voice, to find an alluring red head.

''Nao!'' the twins cheered in unison. ''First thing we'd do, would be to make you the richest woman in the country!'' Said Callia childishly, and the red head only replied with another clear laughter. She bent her body to give the girl a kind pat on the head.

When Nao rose to her original posture, her eyes were fixated towards Natsuki's back.

''Aren't you a little young to spend your evening company among us, princess?''

There was a smug smile on Nao's face, and her eyes could only be described of a cat's, as they shined in the night for a split second.

''My chest size has past yours a long time ago, Yuuki. And I did not have to run my sexual proclivities from winsome to bestial... Unlike you.''

''Who doesn't dream of indulging every spasm of lust? And for the record princess, modesty, which you so rich in charms, ought to know wonderfully well how to do without.''

''Play nice Nao!'' the twins playfully scoffed and turned back to lie on Anh Lu's lap.

The said girl reached to stroke through honey colored strands scattered on her lap before looking back to respond on a gorgeous red head.

''I wouldn't in worlds, dream to make you that happy Yuuki.''

A clear laughter came from the red head, and an overall feeling of enjoyment Natsuki noticed. So Anh Lu and Nao knew each other. Another information dully noted.

Later though, she would learn much more.

''Careful Princess, it is a short distance from this garden to my bed. How easily one can change from predator to prey.''

''A notion that you yourself know best, hence we are still residing in the garden Nao.''

''Touché. I do love it when your lips utter my name in last resort.'' And just like that the red head's body turned to her left instead.

''Yukino, I am sorry to interrupt your delightful night but if you could, you're invited to the company of Lady Viola. I would like you to bring Aoi with you too.''

Natsuki was amazed at how Nao could shape personalities like a chameleon. One minute a sinful courtesan and the next a woman whose dialect was one of high esteem.

But more importantly Viola asked for Aoi... Why?

As the blunette was internally debating to whether ask what the hell Aoi was required for, the said party had already left. She thought it was best anyways.

'Why the hell should I care what Viola does or does not do.'

She stood in silence for a second while her arms embraced her body.

'Viola, Tomoe and Aoi... Is she? No no, she wouldn't. Plus Yukino and Nao will be there- It does not concern me. Hell, they can even... I mean.. Kuga stop thinking!'

Her blood rushed to her face temporarily. Becoming aware of her self-embrace she relaxed her arms, and decided to distract herself. She turned her head back slightly to her parasite.

''You seem to know Nao well.''

Unknown to herself, Natsuki's face adorned an easy smile.

''Indeed I do. She is after all the apple of my father's eye. And by apple I mean the notorious one that threw men out of their holy throne into the depths of sinful pleasure.''

''Your father? Is he here? Like father and daughter you come here? And you know your father is-''

''That is too many questions Natsuki.''

''Sorry for trying to place things to my logic.''

''They would not.''

''Huh?''

''To your logic. At least not comfortably. It never has in mine.''

Natsuki kept her silence. She looked ahead at the small group of people, all surrounding Lady Viola. There were a few faces Natsuki had never seen before. And from the looks of it, neither had Viola, as she was apparently being introduced.

She saw her Lady uttering words that were most definitely oozing charm and sensuality as half of the group laughed and the others hid their embarrassment miserably.

She saw Tomoe Marguerite's hand slipping down to places it shouldn't. Her jaw clenched as a natural reflex but unclenched in minutes when she realized Viola reaching for that specific hand. Just as she was about to smirk, a stronger scorn appeared on her face.

Viola had not intended to ward the senator's hand off. She had reached to hold it and unite their fingers.

'They look like lovers.'

She thought internally, and her curiosity won over her.

''Do you know that Marguerite Senator?'' she asked the girl still in contact with her back.

''I hardly think there is anyone who doesn't know the Senator, Natsuki.''

''Who is she? I mean, -is she like Viola's lover or something?''

''Why? Is Natsuki jealous?'' the girl asked with no intentions to hide the tease from her voice.

''Don't be stupid.'' The girl stiffened.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable she moved from her sitting position.

Anh Lu not expecting this lost her balance for a short moment before adjusting her posture.

''Sorry.'' Natsuki genuinely uttered. ''My ass was getting all numb.'' And she smiled a sheepish Kuga smile.

''Take a stroll with me then.''

Her eyes followed the girl who stood up with many objections from the twins. A small kiss on the both cheeks and the bribe was effective. The twins switched their positions towards other.

''Is Natsuki coming?''

''Where are we going?''

''Doesn't Natsuki wish to know what goes around in that room they're about to leave?'' there was a glint in the girl's eyes befitting of a devil's.

''I do not think we should.''

''Such shame. I hadn't thought of Natsuki to be a domesticated courtesan. Fine then, await for your masters.'' Anh Lu turned but her arm was yanked back the next second.

''Oi! Watch that mouth.'' She hissed fiercely, and continued; ''I am nobody's property and I am sure as hell not a domesticated courtesan or whatever!''

''So Natsuki is coming? You really have to work on your poker face Na-tsu-ki...''

''Wha?''

Natsuki knew she had been played. But rather than anger taking over she found herself laughing. The beautiful blunette laughing seemed to shock her company as Anh Lu found herself staring, not expecting such a wonderful sight.

'Natsuki Kuga...' Anh Lu noted in her mind. 'You are indeed enigmatic. You're my age yet so different. Someone I would very much like to better acquaintance. Wonder how you ended up in here little blue bird...'

''Oi! What are you looking at?''

That shook Anh Lu out of her thoughts, but she was quick to cover her tracks.

''Natsuki has a beautiful smile which made me think of indecent thoughts, that I am sure you would like me to keep to myself.''

''Jesus woman! Fine sush! Just walk.''

This time it was Anh Lu's time to laugh and follow the blunette right behind her.

'So easily distracted, so easily fooled. May Viola have mercy on you Natsuki.'

-:-

It was obvious Anh Lu had spent much time in Cramoisi. The girl easily directed them inside the manor from a second entrance Natsuki herself had not yet known. They walked inside a beautifully decorated room that adjoined another by double doors. There were four black velvet armchairs, to one Anh Lu elegantly threw herself.

''My father is the great libertinage of the Paris.'' She started, as she pulled her legs on the armchair.

''I'm surprised you have not yet have the pleasure to get to know him.''

''What's his name?''

''Dolmance R. Lu...''

''Nope, sorry don't know him.''

Anh Lu chuckled at the nature of the blunette girl. Natsuki felt the need to smile as well. When one thought about it, she was practically the tourist, the new comer after all.

''How about Nao calling you princess, I mean are you?''

Natsuki didn't think the girl was a princess, so she was actually small talking as her eyes moved around the room she had never visited before. A single object of a human skull standing on the mantelpiece took her interest. She lifted the skull and played with the object in her hands. Never had Natsuki seen what it looked like behind the flesh.

''Rest assured,'' Anh Lu replied in a soft tone to the blunette's back short distance away.

''Although I am by noble birth I carry no obligations towards the greater good of the country. My father calls Nao her queen, and it is her great pleasure to address me as princess.''

''Here I thought my family was weird.''

Natsuki turned as Anh let go of another small chuckle. It seemed like Anh Lu did not intend to change her posture any time soon so she decided to drop her body to the armchair across the girl.

''Then I shall entertain your thoughts even more. Remember my previous words on our secret crushes. Well, you've just met her.''

At that Natsuki halted.

''YOU! NAO! You and Nao! But she-''

''Hush woman!''

Anh's eyes had quickly diverted to the double doors on their right, as her arms were up in the air towards the blunette in hopes to stop the shouting girl.

Natsuki stopped her vocal cords immediately and looked at the double doors as well. They were obviously listening if any other had heard their presence. Which meant that there were people on the other side of the room?

Was Viola there?

'Shit.'

''Look sorry. I just didn't expect that coming.'' She whispered to the girl, who seemed less agitated now.

''Do try to keep your voice down please Natsuki.'' The girl sighed before continuing, ''On the other hand, the heart makes sure to choose the uttermost impossible does it not?''

''Umm, I guess?''

''And you guess correct.''

''So, you know.. for how long? I mean-''

''Too long.''

Anh Lu's body fell back to meet with velvety surface before she started her little story, about two girls and a father.

-:-

Away from the prying eyes and ears another face of the night had illuminated the grand room of Cramoisi. The wooden doors had been closed shut by Mikoto who would stand by it all through night. The room now occupied a small group of men and women that were the prominent thinkers and politicians from many sides of the Europe. There were pressing national concerns that needed much attention.

It had been an hour, yet no resolution had been achieved.

''The man has no record of validating our laws! This would be impeccable even in the name of idealism!''

Lady Viola slowly strayed hips towards one corner of the room in the midst of the heated debate. She would keep her demeanor detached for the time being. She knew when to intervene and when to not.

Her thin fingers and delectable hands held a silver sheffield plate that held a wine bottle inside. Her eyes drifted to the label on the bottle. A smile passed her lips as she remembered a certain blunette not so long ago passing out from over consumption of its twin.

''Ah, the much needed elixir.''

Her body elegantly stopped right in front of a seated figure. She tantalizingly drew her body down and placed the wine cooler to a table near by. She did not need confirmation that her prey's eyes wondered to right places.

''Ara, anything the senator wishes.''

''An innocent kiss then? If you decline Viola, I'm afraid I may not have the wits to hold together the conversation with my fellow men.''

She looked at the expectant face sitting in the armchair. Her legs took a step forward while her eyes never left toying with the others. Just as Tomoe Marguerite thought she would acquire what she deserved, Viola turned once again and placed her body in a sitting position.

Tomoe Marguerite would indeed be in a foul mood, if not for the fact that the woman of her desire was now sitting on her lap. Her hands snaked on the exposed flesh in front of her, stroking along the woman's spine.

Touching was not enough. And although this was not the time or the place, Tomoe found herself powerless against the magnetic pull. She held the women from her sides and pulled towards her body, delighted that there were no signs of objection. She breathed in the scent, and let her breath out to wonder on Viola's back.

''You really will be the end of this country you know.'' She whispered on the woman's skin. She knew she shouldn't be doing any of the things she was doing. This was a place to converse her future plans for the country and mostly for herself. Showing obvious signs of addiction to a woman could easily be perceived as a weakness.

But Tomoe did not care. She also believed none in this room would dare to think in such terms either. They all knew of Viola and the magnificence of the woman. If anything, Tomoe Marguerite was sure; she would be perceived right the opposite. Having Viola wrapped around your arms only showed who among this room had the most valuable voice.

''Then I shall make it sure, it be pleasurable. Now concentrate senator, for I would not like to move any time soon.''

''As you wish my queen.'' Tomoe turned towards the other occupants in the room, her eyes lingering on a certain new comer.

''What do think of Hallard?'' she whispered, before adding herself to the ongoing debates.

Viola turned half way in their embrace so that she could see Marguerite as well as others.

''I think the Senator has chosen well.'' Her hands rose and fell back out of view; her nails stroked their way in to Marguerite's neck.

A wave of chill passed through the senator's spine.

''Same congratulations are in order for you. How did you know really?''

Viola smirked as elegant as one could. This was her job after all.

What Marguerite implied was the sheer fact that the newly admitted Chie Hallard already seemed immensely interested with the girl accompanying her. Viola had figured out the young Hallard in the fifth minute of their introduction. How blessed she was to have just the remedy in her house.

Chie Hallard was a handsome woman, who's preference in the affairs of the love made themselves clear when the young politician's eyes was a second too late to look into Viola's eyes. They had been busy checking out Viola's gorgeous form, which to Viola concluded how she should proceed.

Later in the evening she had also noticed that the young Hallard, although seemed like a fox eager to play, was far more romantic in nature that she presented. Thus, it was concluded even before they entered to this room that Aoi, the new girl Nao had been wise to keep, would be the perfect match.

Shizuru Viola was not wrong. Chie Hallard would spend all her weekends and weeknights in Cramoisi from now on...

''A girl has to hold on to her secrets Senator.'' She replied shortly, and turned her head to focus on the other occupants of the room.

'It all starts now Shizuru...'

-:-

''You know what I call idealism Gerard? Youth's final luxury. Let them have theirs, while old as we are, we need to take some measurements for the safety of future ideals.''

It had started. The fate of the mad monk's boy would be sealed behind these walls, and Viola had every intention to make sure it would end in a body separate of it's head.

''Still Monsieur, you can not possibly propose to detain, and behind the curtains execute a man that has done nothing wrong by our laws?'' young Chie Hallard asked as she sipped from her wine.

The beauty next to her filled her glass quickly. Chie Hallard may have had a strong voice to address these men, but to the girl beside, she could only murmur a thank you as soft as she could.

''Gerard, do you know why we never crease the bed sheets together? That is because you are a man with much precaution! And although it may seem necessary to be cautious, in love and war you have to be fierce. If you so wish to exercise the right to equality of justice, isn't it wiser to exercise it with your own country men rather than a murderer?'' A foxy red head said loudly from her much sensual lying position.

On Viola's previous directions Nao had started molding the debate in their liking.

It was a tactic Viola had learnt in her youth.

Precisely when she was 9 years old;

''Can you actually make someone think what you want him to?'' she had asked her French tutor, one Sunday, whose face resembled of a rat's, his mind no less sinister.

''No, my little princess. But you see, the petty folk that make up the earth, they do not have free will as the pastor makes us believe so. A person can neither think what he wants to, nor can we make him think what we want to. However one can study someone very closely and then one can often know almost exactly what he thinks or feels, and then one can also anticipate what he or she will do the next moment.''

The little girl's face had changed to one of displeasure, before she asked; ''We are no different of an animal if we do not have free will.''

''Who says we need be different my little princess?''

''But we are! We need to be, don't we?''

The tutor had slowly approached her young student. Even now Viola could remember the shadows casted on the man's face by the afternoon sun.

''Only you my little princess. You need to be.''

Then he had smiled, and had apparently decided to elaborate the subject so that this sponge of a young mind would take fascination, and thus carve that day's lesson into memory.

''There is a species of butterflies, my princess, a night moth, in which the females are much less common than the males. The moths breed exactly like all animals, the male fertilizes the female and the female lay eggs.''

He turned once to concur that eager eyes awaited the rest.

''Now, if you take a female night-moth, the male moths will visit this female at night, and they will come from hours away! From hours away my little princess! Just think… From a distance of several miles all these males sense the only female in the region. One looks for an explanation to this phenomenon but it is not easy.''

''How is it possible? Do they smell the scent like father and uncle's dogs?''

Little Shizuru had been fascinated by the small story, which to her young perception seemed a great deal of romantic, if nothing else.

''We do not know my princess. But I believe the answer lies in the information we do know. Now, what could it be you think?''

Little Shizuru had paused for a second to think through the question given to her. After a minute's silence she had voiced the only valuable answer;

''Because the female moths were not abundant as the males? If they were common, the males would not have such a highly developed sense, I think.''

A proud glint appeared on the French tutor's eyes.

''That is precisely true my princess! And just the same if a person were to concentrate all his will power on a certain end, then he would achieve it. Remember to always examine a person closely enough and you will know more about him than he does himself. When you think of humans in contrast to moths, we have much more opportunities to what we will do we not?''

The thin man had fallen on one knee to be in eye level with the small blonde angel.

''Moths fly for hours, and humans my princess? Humans need only will, in achieving far more greater deeds contrary to any animal… The will and the focus to observe is all that you will ever need.''

That had been Shizuru's greatest lesson, which was perfected with many years in the making. And right now, was no different as she looked up to another old man's face.

Gerard Leroy was the first in Viola's agenda. Old as he may be, the man was a wise wolf, and if they were to make a wrong step, Viola was sure Gerard would be onto them.

They had to make this decision look like it was their idea, and in no connection to her any more than naming her their muse.

Viola knew well, that if her name and identity were to drift to wrong ears, she and the girls would have to leave this manor quickly to hide in the shadows. She had worked hard for this life, and she did not intend to loose it.

As the debate went on in full heat, an unpredictable voice ringed the ears.

''May I have permission to speak Senators?'' all heads turned to the unexpected timid voice.

Viola's shock was briefly apparent if looked deeply into her eyes. Luckily all attention was on another.

''Please dear, speak.'' Gerard said with a father smile on his face. '' Such a beautiful voice should not be kept from us.''

Embarrassed by the compliment, the girl visibly blushed.

''I may not be knowledgeable in the subjects occupying your minds. But from what I understand you speak of a man's fate, that he will receive because of his deeds if deemed evil?'' Aoi may have been timid at the start of her sentence, but by the end she was looking at the old man's face with intent in her eyes.

''True my dear. How would you suggest we weigh this man's fate?''

It was Dolmance R. Lu that encouraged the girl to speak her mind further. Viola's eyes quickly snapped to find Nao's already on hers. To her surprise, Nao did not share the mild shock she was currently going through. Instead a playful sneer played on the red head's face.

A single brow raised itself to question her most trusted companion, and in return only a mild nod came. Viola eased her alert muscles, and let herself be embraced by the attentive arms of Tomoe Marguerite who was also waiting for the girl to speak.

''Messieurs, St. Augustine tells us that angels and demons walk among us on the Earth. And that sometimes they jointly inhabit the soul of a single man.'' A wave of approval came among the occupants of the room, some with a slight nod of their heads, others with concurring hums.

All watched as Aoi raised herself from her sitting position to fill the cups of the gentleman, and women around as she continued to speak.

''Then may I ask how can we know... Who is truly good and who is evil?''

To all it was a display of a naive mind taking the subject from a simpler point of view. But a trained mind and eye like Shizuru's was amazed when she realized of the upcoming check mate.

''All we can do is guard against ourselves against corruption, Messieurs. Now weigh the situation you are in scrutinizingly.'' Aoi never stopped walking among the people and filling their cups while continuing her speech.

''You say our laws are not to condemn him, whereas I see men who has the power to compose unthinkable incendiary prose if .. if it was needed. Long in history men has fought demons with demons. Sometimes men became demons themselves, so the greater good shall always be protected?''

When no objections came, Aoi went on with her little speech.

''I do not know this man you speak of. He maybe a demon, for good or sheer evil. But I do know that you would take all that is necessary so that we are protected, am I... wrong?''

Aoi had paused right in the middle of the room when she voiced a question second time. For a minute there was only silence. It was Chie Hallard to few surprises that rose from the couch and held the girl's hand.

''Such simple words, yet so much truth in them. All in all, in one way or another we do have to make a choice my camarades.''

''Viola! If only we could have these talented girls of yours with us all the time.'' A handsome voice intruded.

''My future as a politician would be at its peak if only I had your girls beside my ear to whisper all the time.''

It was the first time Reito Kanzaki had spoken. But it was not to compliment, on the contrary it was the Kanzaki signaling that it was time Viola took matters into her own hands.

He was smiling, and Viola mirrored her friend.

''Perhaps I should lend you my girls Reito, they would keep you from straying to wrong paths.''

From her peripheral vision Viola watched monsieur Gerard closely. The man seemed to be in deep thought. She was surprised that Aoi's speech had actually made the man contemplate his previous decision.

''Careful of the wish you make Kanzaki! These girls would coupé Paris, if they only wished so, I can not imagine what would remain of that career of yours if you fail to entertain them.'' Laughter filled the room, cigars were lit, and fresh sips of wine slipped down the throats.

Tomoe Marguerite had not spoken in the matters. Viola guessed the woman wanted to know what the majority favored. And until it was clear, the senator would not voice her opinion.

Viola found it spineless, but her opinion would only remain in her thoughts alone.

Gerard Blanc cleared his throat, as all attention turned towards him.

''Esteemed ladies and gentleman, in the aftermath, I do not know why I keep thinking about the reflection of the action we are about to take. I do not think history will label us foul, but as this sweet girl said; we will be labeled cowards if we do not take action.''

Even Viola was astonished how easily the tide had turned towards their favor. She hadn't even intervened a word in the matter too. The muscles on her face tightened, forming a general aura of pleasantry. Her mood was getting better by the minute.

She mentally noted to extend her gratitude to her foxy red head and timid newcomer after the meeting.

''Gerard, you are like a father to me.'' Viola was taken aback when the sound came not far away from her ears. It seemed the time for Tomoe Marguerite to show up had appeared.

''So know that I am sincere, when I say I am sorry. Sorry that I have not told you, what I am about to know. All of you actually.''

''What are you talking about Tomoe?'' Dolmance asked with questioning eyes.

''I am sorry my queen but I would have to stand for this.''

Viola was taken by surprise as her body slowly fell back to the armchair while the senator slipped upwards.

''Ladies and gentlemen, I kept you in ignorance when I asked for your presence tonight.'' She cleared her voice and stood in all glory the slender body allowed her.

''I made you believe of a discussion that would course and mend of the ongoing troubles, our country is currently having. But the reality is far from it, and I do hope for your forgiveness.''

All eyes turned towards to other occupants before ending on the woman once again. The popular understanding was that; indeed nobody knew of what Tomoe Marguerite was talking about.

''Tonight, I called you here, and especially here, to ask your hand join in my cause. The invitation is not for you only. But Viola,''

The senator's eyes captured Viola's agitated crimson. Both knew very well that Viola did not like to be surprised. But Tomoe Marguerite believed it was necessary for once this time. Thus Marguerite sneered, having full confidence the woman would only fall more in love with her in the long run.

''my invitation is extended to you as well. I can not imagine a more proper suitor for what I am to offer.''

''You're talking in riddles Senator. Perhaps it is time to shed light?'' Viola kept her voice calm, but did raise a single brow to better accentuate her words.

''Yes, indeed…''

''My father Théodore Marguerite, had a vision. After all the injustice he had seen, he realized that not all function accordingly to the system that we the politicians built. He realized that the government we are trying to keep needed a protector.''

''That is why we have the army and police do we not?'' Reito Kanzaki asked with a raised brow as well, shifting to a more serious posture on the couch. Obviously he was slightly getting suspicious of where this topic was going.

''Yes we do Reito. Our army is busy with what everybody is calling World Wars! Our police? We do not have our police any more! We do not have the luxury. All men and women with wits and strength, we send them in preparation of this war.''

Tomoe Marguerite's eyes were burning with passion. Viola had not seen this coming. Tonight was only going to be about ending the fate of the mad monk's future seeds of terror. It was supposed to be simple, and clean. Viola had not expected Tomoe to open her future plans this evening.

She had suspected the senator to have much layered thoughts and plans in the matters, but she had hoped to have time to play them to her advantage.

''What is it that you propose Senator?'' she asked meddling drectly for the first time.

''What I propose Viola, is what I've put together diligently exactly for these times. These days, that our country would need it the most. For it, to be put into service. What I say is... The Valkyries.''

-:-

''You know awfully a lot about wines Natsuki.'' The girl laughed as the blunette poured another glass for her.

''Well, it's sort of the only thing I grew up with.''

She raised the bottle to her lips and drank the remaining wine in the bottle.

It had been an interesting hour and a half, Natsuki thought. She still couldn't believe Anh's story involving the red head of the Cramoisi. But she was more surprised when she realized, that perhaps she was the only one among the people of this manor that Anh Lu chose to tell her secrets.

They had only known each other for a night, and it seemed outrageous to Natsuki, for someone to talk about a love that was kept hidden. She decided it was time to ask.

''Hey, why did you tell me all of this? I mean you barely know me. Who is to say I won't go and tell Nao everything?''

''Will you?'' the girl asked, glass resting on her lips, her body curled forward into the depths of the armchair.

''No, but you didn't know that.''

''Perhaps I needed someone to tell. And it helped more, that you knew not of the history behind these walls.''

''A lot goes, it seems.''

Anh Lu chuckled as she nodded her head in approval. Then the girl's eyes grew serious. She turned her head slightly towards the dark mahogany doors.

''Tonight must be important.''

''Huh?''

''They usually come to the room next to us after they are finished. Yet there is no sound yet. ''

''They talk?'' the blunette was obviously surprised. For some reason her imagination had her thinking much less talking and much more action had been going on wherever Viola was.

''What did you think?'' Anh was amused and she kicked the blunette with her feet playfully.

''Hey now! I dunno… From what I've seen not much talking happens after midnight in this place.''

''Hahaha. You're wrong Natsuki. This place... It has history. My father used to come here when he was younger you know.''

''Wha! Nao would be a child back then!''

''Silly, there was no Nao then. Neither a Viola. Did you think it was always Viola that was the lady of the house?''

Natsuki scratched her cheek before answering the question, ''Umm- I did hear that there was some other Lady. But where did Nao and rest came then?''

Natsuki had never stopped to think that Viola was once a child, and had a life much different than the walls of this manor.

'Actually everyone was somewhere else... Yukino, Nao.. Mikoto.. I know where Mai came. And the twins. They are all young. Actually Yukino and Viola may be the oldest here.. And still, they can't be counted old either.'

''From what I know Nao came with Viola- aaand that Mikoto was used to be a street cat. She is still much like a cat is she not?''

''A feral one. You want more wine?'' when the girl hummed in approval Natsuki raised her body from the armchair. Her vision played a short trick, but was back to normal quickly. She thought about skipping wine, but then again she liked wine, and tonight she wished to drink.

She had also liked Anh Lu, and it was nice to spend a night just talking with another person. She hadn't done much of it. Of course she would talk with Yukino and Mai but the topics were never personal. Even though Natsuki had not talked a word about her personal issues, she found it nice to hear somebody else talk just the same.

''I'll be right back, then.''

''Don't keep me waiting Na-tsu-ki...''

''Yea, yea, save those for Nao.''

''Ara ara, Natsuki is no fun.''

''Stop mimicking and play nice.''

''What's the prize?''

Natsuki thought about it. Her smile grew larger as she started walking away from the young girl.

''When I come back, I'll tell you about a special wine from an obscure village in Bordeaux.''

''Is it naughty?''

The blunette chose not to answer but only laugh in return. Her smile never left her face as she strayed towards the familiar path to the kitchen.

'Never thought I would be retelling Aly's stories… Come to think of it she would have actually liked this place, unlike me. Alyssa…'

-:-

''Y-You see my lady, every Sunday we used to wait by the Rue de Turenne. The rich, they were our best shot for the upcoming week. We would wait by the church and when they came out we would ask for money in our best dresses. So I remembered monsieur Gerard.''

''You used to ask for coins, and knowing Gerard after a sermon. He was the most generous?''

''Exactly my lady. He did not remember me, I was much younger then. But I remember him. And I also remember his little speeches on St. Augustine before giving us the money.''

Viola smiled. So Aoi knew the old wolf and had mentioned this little fact to Nao, who had decided to take advantage of the situation.

'My clever girls...'

''You have done very well Aoi, I am most pleased.'' She took a lone strand that fall on the girls face and placed it behind her ear.

''I-I like it here Lady Viola. I..-I really do.''

''Does this have anything to do with your new admirer, I wonder?'' the Lady of the house asked with a tint of tease in her voice.

''L-Lady Viola...''

Once again Viola's hands moved to lift up the fragile chin of the girl.

''Look at me.'' The girl's eyes remained on the floor for only a second more, before rising to meet with the alluring crimson.

''I intend for you to care for Chie Hallard's needs from now on, as she seems most smitten with you. And by care I mean of no such action that you do not wish for. I'm informed of her kindness but if she were to act different at any case, I want you to let me know immediately.''

''Yes, my Lady.''

Viola's hand moved from the girl's chin to cup her cheek. Her thumb stroked the soft skin slowly, making the younger girl draw on border to losing consciousness.

''Onto other things, tomorrow we should start on your education to be a true Cramoisi girl. From what I have seen tonight, I know you will be an excellent addition to our family.''

The young damsel jittered from the sensual voice,

''Now before you go...''

Viola's head descended downwards, and the young girl's breath hitched before her mouth was sealed with another's. The girl felt her blood drain from her body, like so she held on to her Lady's hips with both hands, her lips started moving as her eyes closed shut.

It would have been a lie if young Aoi did not admit she had fantasized of this kiss once or twice or perhaps much more. During her short time, she had been very aware of the magnetic pull the woman named Viola had on people. This kiss had only concurred that she was not immune as well.

Unfortunately, the kiss was interrupted with the sound of a bottle smashing on the floor. Both heads separated to turn towards the incomer. They found a blunette whose eyes had drastically widened.

The girl stood completely motionless, not even seeming to breathe; her mouth looked like it had been carved from wood or stone.

''Natsu-''

''I was just going to get some wine.''

The bluenette quickly walked away from the couple towards the cellar entrance, without looking back once.

''Aoi, deliver the remaining refreshments to our guests.'' Viola uttered, her body facing the cellar door, and the girl bowed and did quickly as she was told.

Natsuki descended the short stairs to the cellar, and stopped when she reached her destination. No other sound seemed to come, so Viola was not following her.

'Why should she? She is what you saw dammit! She will always be!'

A puff of air escaped her lips.

She was getting tired of the day.

First the incident with the Ottoman Ambassador, the strange liquor called Rakı, then the embarrassing dance, then Anh Lu, and now this.. It was all too much.

Her eyes darted to her strangely shaking hands. She clenched one into a fist and covered it with her other. She opened and closed them a few times, trying to let blood rush back into their whiteness. She shook them on her sides, and then she shook her body.

There was no point in anything.

'Cool Kuga. It's reality time.'

It was something Natsuki Kuga did whenever her father would punch her hopes on a better future away, literally.

'Your name is Natsuki Kuga. You had a wonderful mother. You father too was actually a good man, though he is not now. You no longer have any family. You are sold to this house to become a fucking prostitute. Entertainer, whatever it is. You don't have anywhere to go.'

Natsuki nodded with every sentence she formed. She took a step forward towards what she had initially come for. With every step her eyes bleaked a shade. Her heart slowly calmed down, and her breathing slowed.

'Viola is the Lady of this house. She may hold hand with that senator. She may fuck her. She may kiss anyone she wants. She owns this house. She is from this point on should be non of your concern.'

Her hands grabbed two bottles out of her family crested case. The hands were no longer shaking.

'Mother left you. Aly left you. All will leave you. You don't know how but either you or this place will one day leave you as well, for better or for worse. There is only you.'

She turned and looked back at the stone stairs. She inhaled once again, she moved towards it, her mind finally somewhat settled.

Indeed the young blunette's mind had become settled, but it was settled in a gloomy dejection, that herself was not aware of.

'I don't care what will happen to me. I have me. I can be a fucking courtesan, a fucking thief, or a fucking murderer but I have to be me. And lately I haven't been. Just hold on to reality Kuga. Reality. Reality. Reality.'

With that she started to slowly ascend the stairs.

Viola hadn't moved from her spot. She had wanted to run after the blue haired girl, but something had stoned her to where she was. Crimson eyes were glued to where Natsuki had vanished. She waited for the reappearance of the girl with... guilt she realized, which gave more fear to her heart.

She had never felt guilt. It had been so long, since she tasted that slight scorching of the heart. Why? Because she had kissed another girl in front of her new favorite toy? It could not be. If her plans needed it, she would fuck anybody in front of her toy, like the first time she had done.

So why now, why now was she feeling guilt?

'It wasn't necessary. I did not need to kiss the girl.'

'Do I need a reason to kiss someone? Anyone? No.'

Natsuki didn't give enough time for Viola to think over her actions as she appeared back in the kitchen.

''Natsuki..''

''Yes Viola?''

The girl in front of her shocked Viola, and she was sure it slipped away from her mask for a short period. This girl, uttering her name so easily, it was not what she expected.

It was when Viola looked at the bluenette's eyes though that surprised her more. She could've sworn it did not hold any emotion. The usual burning green Viola was fond of secretly was replaced with another shade that was devoid of emotion.

'How is she so calm? Not aggressive nor embarrassed.'

'Why should she not be?'

True, Natsuki was another girl of the Cramoisi. Why did Viola ever think she had the right to be pissed off? But then again this was what she liked about the girl. Those pure emotions of the girl, whether hatred or something else… where had they gone? Viola realized she wanted it those feral emotions back, whether it be hatred or admiration.

''Who are the bottles for?'' she asked in means to divert tension.

''They are for Anh.''

Just like that Viola was hit with another feeling, she dared not voice in her mind.

''Natsuki is on first name bases with a lot people tonight.''

''I like her, and her last name is too long for my liking.''

Natsuki was making jokes? And had she just said she liked the girl?

''Well I'm afraid Natsuki will have to entertain miss Lu some other time. I want Natsuki to take those wine bottles and wait for me in my room.'' She knew her voice was not as calm as she would have wanted it to be, but for the moment she did not care.

She hadn't liked this new attitude coming from the blue haired beauty.

''I promised I would be by her side until Dolmance wishes to leave. From what I heard Dolmance takes his time. If you still wish for my presence after that, send for word.''

And just like that Natsuki moved to pass Viola, but a gentle hold stopped her.

''There is something different with Natsuki.''

''You think so? I don't feel any different. Good night Viola.''

As Natsuki was about to leave Viola found her voice once again.

''It is custom.''

Natsuki turned, trying her best to look indifferent. But she knew deep down she wished for Viola to give her reason, an excuse, anything.

''Excuse me?''

''It is a custom to kiss the girl that is admitted to the family.''

'Keep you cool Natsuki. Keep your cool dammit!'

''So?''

Viola slowly swayed towards the girl.

She was lying; there was no such custom.

But she did not care.

Was she not the one of a kind seductress, whose first lesson was all is fair in love and war?

She did not care in the slightest. She was Lady Viola. If needed she would lie, cheat, seduce until not an ounce of purity was left in the soul.

Right now Viola wanted her toy back. Deep down she knew the reason for her unreason was due to the fact that her little toy seemed immune to her.

'Not for long…'

''Ara, seeing that Natsuki wishes to take care of our customer even without telling… I believe a welcome is in order.''

''You already kissed me before. Doesn't those count?''

Meanwhile Natsuki was trying her best to keep her gaze in eye level. The way Viola had closed the distance between them very much like the sway of a snake had already crumbled her previous resolutions. She held on to the bottles on both hand tighter.

Viola was close. Too close for her liking.

''Where they welcoming?'' the snake hissed.

''Wha-No-''

''Then they do not count do they?''

To Natsuki, Viola's breath contained toxic ether that attacked her central nervous system, stimulating long-suppressed passions as it animated all her internal tics of sexuality.

She felt like a caged animal. Scratch that, she thought. She was not an animal caged alone. She was a live prey in the cage of a predator.

''Kiss me.'' Viola looked directly into emerald eyes, and felt heat rising in her chest when she saw swirl of emotions come back to those eyes.

Yes, emeralds were coming alive.

''No.''

It sounded strong, but Natsuki felt opposite. She was going weak. She was loosing her grip on reality.

''Kiss me.''

Most of all Natsuki Kuga was getting pissed off.

''Fine.''

None had expected what came after the curt word of determination. Not even Natsuki herself.

Viola took a step back to keep her balance when a pair of lips clashed on her own. Simultaneously she felt the chilling cold of the bottles on her bare back. Her body was harshly pulled towards the blunette. Her eyes widened, staring at the closed ones in front of her.

It wasn't like their previous greetings of the lips. It was not slow nor was it soft. Viola had always believed the softness behind the blunette's lips had been because Natsuki scarcely used them other than mundane humane needs. That it was because those lips had been a virgin territory.

Now, she had her doubts.

Viola couldn't reel her mind to take dominance nor to properly respond. She felt cheated as the blunette's tongue moved expertly in courting hers. When and hows clouded her mind, but it all came to a halt when the blunette pressed to her let go of a much held breath from her nostrils very much like a bull in an arena.

Then Viola understood the 'why' of the kiss.

It was her.

She had breathed life into the animalistic desires of the blunette.

When her thoughts concluded their debate, she closed her eyes to consume every feeling the other ignited in her.

Natsuki was released. All was released. It was as if a much-needed craving had been fulfilled. She felt the soft skin of Viola's arms snake to where her pretty head attached to her shoulders, and took it as a clue to tighten her hold on the woman.

None knew how much the kiss would go on, thus both intended to get as much as they could get.

Natsuki grinded her body forward and trapped Viola between her burning one and the stonewall. She wanted to feel the blazing skin of the woman to quench her lust, but the bottles in her hold prevented it. Her unconscious took her frustration out by biting on the tongue assaulting hers.

When Viola felt the full chill of the bottles on her back she uncontrollably let out a small moan, only it was cut short. Those teeth had not been gentle in their bite, yet Viola found it only hyping her appetition.

This was becoming more than a kiss. Viola needed it to be more than a kiss.

A single lithe leg rose and curled behind the blunette, smashing their bodies till no space was left. It was incredible how they hadn't even parted to let fresh air into their lungs. It seemed that both knew the moment those lips would part, this toxicant lust would also vaporize. Both managed to breath in and out fiercely form their nose, each time having a much harder time.

It wasn't the first time Natsuki had heard Viola moan, but it was the first time where she was the cause of it, and she found it addictive. Her lips fiercely moved along, her lips diving in and out of the velvet cave, every time bringing back small essence of Viola to drink down.

The need to drink the woman in was making her insane, and when Viola's leg had moved, she was quick to move her right hand on those creamy thighs. She could only feel those thighs with three fingers while the other two was set to keep the bottle in possession. With every full stroke Viola let go of another moan. And with every moan, Natsuki desperately applied more pressure.

''Apologies!''

Then, all stopped.

Both knew a person of male gender had walked in the kitchen, both was aware of the ten seconds that person spent standing speechless due to what was happening in front of him.

Both knew, yet both had not stopped until their intruder had made a sound.

Natsuki was first to halt her actions, and Viola could only obey since what they had been doing required two.

Natsuki breathed heavily, not once turning her head to where their intruder had gone. Her eyes were set on the woman in front of her as she slowly let go of the thigh she had been holding. She breathed in and out, trying to control her breathing without seeming to be trying. Viola's eyelids remained shut, and for a second Natsuki found herself snickering when she saw the irritated face of the woman.

Then it actually dawned on Natsuki Kuga what she had been doing for the past few minutes.

'HOOOLY JESUS!'

''Natsuki?''

The crimson had reappeared.

''Yes?'' she asked as best as her trembling voice allowed. She could feel her body boiling even more than before.

She expected a tease, a remark to come that would want to skin herself alive from embarrassment, and took a step back readying herself for it's arrival.

But none came.

Viola looked deeply into the emerald eyes that now seemed a great distance away from her.

They represented the whole state of the emerald's mind, and Viola ignored the rest, hence never even questioning who it might have been that walked in to her precious delight.

Natsuki was clearly reeling towards panic and terror, which was the last thing Viola currently wished for, she realized with much surprise.

''Why don't Natsuki go to Anh Lu's side, I need to tend to my guests as well.''

The tenderness in Viola's voice shook Natsuki to her core, as she had only heard it once or perhaps twice before, none ever directed towards herself.

''Yes, of course.'' She gave a small bow, to her own puzzlement. She was just about to leave the kitchen when that chaining voice came yet again.

''I would like it, if Natsuki comes to my chambers after she is done?''

It had started as further instruction yet ended as a question, and Natsuki found herself unable to decline. Plus her room was getting painted right?

''Sure, Viola.''

She could no longer hold herself together, so walked out as fast as she can.

Viola's hand rose to her slightly swollen lips, and the minute her fingertips touched, a small electric shock went through her body as her mind replayed what had happened in third person view.

''Ara…''

Thank you so much for sticking with the story and thank you for all the messages and reviews, for that I love you all.

So if you like it, keep on reviewing it, ne? ;)

I promise you'll have the update in two weeks, and may I add the story is much more clear in my head now. This was a chapter of transition, and I hope it delighted you…

As a bonus I can say the next chapters will involve much heated scenes that can make you… hate me. Yes, not love but hate