THE JOURNEY TO LONDON
'I have caught ten dragonflies.' she said running around the orange orchard with a net. 'Good for you. Why do you choose to waste your time in such meaningless acts when a task of much more importance is at hand' said Yuka as she watched the beautiful girl run around; her long, wavy and luscious auburn hair dishevelled with running. The girl stopped running and turned to face her mother with fiery, brown orbs and said 'I do not deem it of the slightest importance to waste my time with a man who is not much younger than my father. His unkempt hair and wrinkled skin drives my appetite away and you want me to consider him for marriage. Forgive me mother but I have to refuse.' 'Oh Mikan' said Yuka but decided against arguing with her daughter knowing it would be in vain. 'Mother, what time does the ship leave for London tomorrow?' 'Nine in the evening dear' replied Yuka. 'I hope Nonoko is done with the packing' said Mikan. 'Maybe you should go inside and check. While you are at it make an effort in comforting you're sister. She is not too happy with you leaving her behind for a few months.' 'I shall' answered Mikan as she ran back towards the mansion.
'I do not understand my mother. There is no need for Mr Nogi to be accompanying us.' said Mikan breathless. She hated corsets. She gripped the edge of the table as she looked at her flushed expression in the mirror. 'Your mother worries a lot for you, my lady. She only wants you to get married soon and lead a life filled with every possible happiness' said Nonoko finished tightening the corset and moving on to do Mikan's hair. 'I shall marry when I wish. I do not like my mother prying into every part of my life. Besides I'm only eighteen and I have dreams I want to accomplish before I get married.' 'Is that your reason for going to London? I had my doubts about your sudden demand to meet with your Aunt Luna despite your strong feelings of animosity towards her. Well she is undoubtedly pleased to spend the next few months in you company.' 'I have no desire to waste my time by spending it with an old woman. I have my plans' said Mikan sounding mischievous. Nonoko only responded with a smile. Mikan stood impatiently near her carriage wondering when her sister was going to stop hugging her. 'Let go of me Nobara, I will be back very soon' said Mikan with a hint of annoyance in her voice. The girl reluctantly let go as Mikan smiled and bid farewell before she climbed into the carriage followed by Nonoko.
The journey to the harbour was a silent one apart from Mikan enquiring about Mr Nogi and when he would be joining them. It was only half eight but the sky was pitch black and showed signs of rain. Halfway through the journey the carriage came to an abrupt halt and Mikan's butler Koko reluctantly reported a slight problem with the wheels of the carriage however it would be taken care of quickly. Mikan glared at Koko before being helped down by Nonoko. Mikan felt a few drops of water on her face and a loud thunder made it clear it was about to rain. 'How much longer, Koko' asked Mikan. 'A few minutes, my lady' he replied. As Nonoko and Mikan waited they heard voices in the distance. The voices grew louder and clearer with the passing minute. 'What is the commotion about?' asked Mikan when she caught sight of man running towards them. She only blinked and the next thing she felt a cold and sharp object to her neck. Nonoko's terrified cry and Koko's angry voice made the situation clear to her. A man had a sharp knife to Mikan's neck. A few other men dressed in black stood in front of her with guns not sure what to do. 'Probably the police' thought Mikan. She heard his quick and raspy breathing; even felt it against her neck. She pretended to faint and when the man's grip on her loosened she kicked him against his leg but he was quick and before she knew it she had both her hands locked behind her. Her efforts were in vain. The man had a hat on so his face wasn't clear but she had seen those eyes. She had only caught a glimpse of it but those deep, intense red eyes had made her heart skip a beat. She knew she should be horrified but she was unafraid. She stood fearless when her criminal signalled for the other men to throw their weapons away. The minute they bent down he ran. He had vanished.
The men left only after Mikan reassured them that she was fine. Nonoko's uncontrollable sobs made Mikan rethink her decision of letting her continue their journey to London. Koko had to be ordered strictly about not mentioning anything about the incident to Mikan's family. They were running late so they had to hurry. They made it a few minutes before the ship took off. Mikan got down on the harbour and admired the ship. It was the newest, biggest and the most recent of ships and Mikan would be on it on her first journey. A lot of nobles and gentlemen would be on the same ship. Mikan felt excitement grip her. As she walked towards the ship with Nonoko and Koko following her with the luggage she read the ship's name 'PRIMEVERA'. 'A beautiful name' she thought as entered the ship and heard the captain blow the whistle.