[Natsuki] Her Final Attempt

On the floor lies a discarded controller
Just another victim of circumstance...

This was supposed to be a fun night
A lazy night with your doting girlfriend
It was indeed peaceful at first.. enjoyable even...
But desperation has seized control

"That temple gives me the creeps!"
That toad's grating voice again...
Still his words remain as ominous as ever

Natsuki is laser-focused on the mission
Her impatient eyes brim with pink fury
It's a bit unsettling...
Yet somehow still... cute...
The ancient fortress looms directly ahead
She clenches the tattered controller
The sole survivor among its brethren
She bravely flies the arwing to the entrance

A seemingly infinite narrow corridor
Suspiciously flawless yet sterile...
You both know what dangers lie ahead
But this initial nothingness...
The calm before the storm...

Booming pillars start smashing through the walls
A imposing yet cowardly golem flees
Andross's intentions are clear
He will not take survivors

Natsuki understands the magnitude of the situation
Millions of Conerian lives are in her hands
With a determined yet anxious face
She fires upon the fleeing giant
But with zero Arwings remaining in reserve
And a health bar deep in the red
This is nothing more than a Hail Mary

~~~Two Hours Earlier~~~

Just a typical night with your girlfriend
Natsuki is lazing happily on the couch
Being a backseat gamer as usual
"You really suck at this you know..."
"I can probably beat that stupid witch with just two eggs!"
Of course she has that sly smile on her face...
Even as your adoring little cupcake
She never dropped the abrasive persona
But in all honesty
You wouldn't have it any other way

You put up a valiant fight against the green menace
But that red fireball was just one too many
The bear and bird collapse into a heap
"HAH! I knew you couldn't do it!  You really do suck!"
Was Natsuki rooting for Grunty this entire time?
As much as you loved your pink blob
It's time for her to put up or shut up

Without a word you turn off the system
And swap out the game to another old favorite
"Giving up already? I was having fun..."
"H... Hey!  What are you doing!"
You place the controller in Natsuki's hands
"Ummm... I don't feel like playing anymore..."
She's not getting off that easily...
You simply smile and turn on the game
"Hmph fine... I'll show you just how good I am..."

~~~The Present~~~

The golem has been reduced to a skeleton
But it is not going down without a fight
It continues to fire off pillars in desperation
It will die to protect its tyrannical master

Natsuki is tightly gritting her teeth
Her eyes are glued to the screen
It is not easy dodging all of these pillars
Especially if your plane is missing a wing...
"Almost there... Die already you stupid monkey!..."
"NOO!..."
Despite her best efforts the golem lands a fatal shot
Her last Arwing barrels uncontrollably to the ground
Now nothing more than a smothering pile of debris
Natsuki has failed her final mission
Andross will now control the galaxy

You both remain in silence for a few minutes
Though it feels more like hours...
Natsuki dejectedly stares at the controller
Her pink eyes show a slight hint of sadness
You never expected Natsuki to get so engrossed
You would do anything to protect her smile
Even if she does has a tendency of overreacting...
You pull your sad pink blob into a loving embrace
Allowing her to gently rest her head on your chest

"I was so close..."
"Andross was almost dead!  Did you see that?..."
Natsuki looks up to you with curious eyes
That golem may not have been Andross
But she was indeed getting close to the end
You gently kiss your girlfriend's forehead
You aren't going to ruin the surprise for her...

~~~

"I want to try again..."
"Gimme the controller..."
This is the fourth time she has said this...
Natsuki has been trying to fight exhaustion
But fighter pilots need to be well rested

"I'm not tired!  I'll beat Andross this time!"
She doesn't bother moving from the comfort of your chest
Her soft pink eyes are barely visible now
"I'll rest my head for just one second..."
And just like that your pink cupcake is out cold
Gently snoozing in your warm embrace

As cute as this whole scene is
It's not good for either of your bodies
Although you don't want to disturb her sleep
It's prudent to bring her to a comfy bed
She can always continue her snuggling there
Of course you'll be there to assist

You effortlessly scoop up the dozing Natsuki
And start carrying her to your bedroom
Instinctively her hands move to your shoulders
She really does make an adorable princess

~FIN~