Disclaimer: I do not own Akazukin Chacha.

Loving from Afar

By: Enigmatic Ice

Chapter 2

After four years

Something is definitely happening in Shiine's house that day. Chacha, Riiya and together with their other friends are busy decorating the house. His mother and some of the girls could be seen back in the kitchen, cooking. Even Prism, Shiine's little sister who is now in the sixth grade could be seen all over the house, looking over at everything and making sure that everything's perfect. Her wavy chestnut hair reaches a little longer than her shoulders. Her golden brown eyes are full of excitement and anticipation.

Riiya could be seen in the kitchen, tasting every food he sees. He towered everybody else with his height of six feet and two inches. He is now one of the official knights of the castle and the resident hunk. Although he is one of the most respected knights of the kingdom because of his immeasurable strength, he is also known to be one of the most ravenous people in the whole kingdom because of his appetite.

The one who is in charge of the decorations is none other than Shiine's other best friend, princess Chacha. After four years, Chacha looked a lot like the holy princess she changed into when they are still young. Her long golden hair is in braids that reached her buttocks which were held securely with a simple red ribbon at the edge of her hair. Some stray hair could also be seen around her heart-shaped face, elegantly resting in its place. Her klutzy attitude is now gone, she morphed into a beautiful swan. Chacha instructs her friends on what to do with poise and grace of a princess. She also became better with her magic, using her own magic to decorate some parts of the room.

Yes, the house is very busy that day. And why wouldn't it? Shiine, who hasn't gone back home for the last four years, is coming back. Prism received a letter from him a week ago, telling her that at last, he could finally go home. The whole family is ecstatic and the news easily spread in his circle of friends. Any minute now, they will be expecting Shiine to open the door.

Knock. Knock

A light tap was heard on the door. Everybody held their breath in anticipation. Shiine's family quickly went for the door while his friends are hot on their heels, readying themselves in greeting the brown-haired lad. Prism gets to the door first.

"Broth-"

"Hi Prism! Tell me, did he arrive yet? Are we late?"

Prism was cut in mid-sentence. Her look of glee was quickly replaced by annoyance. "Oh it's only you… Don't worry; my brother hasn't arrived yet… And by the way you're late teacher Seravi, teacher Dorothy…" Prism glared at both the adults. She is very different from her big brother who is always tactful and polite to everyone, prism is a high spirited girl.

"Thank goodness, I thought that he got here first before we do. I told Dorothy again and again to stop powdering her nose already because her face wouldn't get any better", Seravi said to Prism who wasn't deterred by the little girl's fury, but his last statement earned him a glare from his wife. Since Elizabeth, Seravi's doll, was put away, Seravi have become more open to his feelings, especially to his wife.

"Hey Guys, what's happening back there?"

Everyone stopped in whatever they are doing. No one knows who owned that deep but at the same time, light voice. They slowly turned around, looking at the person who owned that voice.

Gasp!

The one who owned that voice is none other than the person that they have been waiting for, Shiine. Four long years have changed him physically. He now stands five feet eleven inches, his face matured but many hints of his boyish charm remains. His body became lean and his muscles seem to be in the right places, one would really wonder because of the intricately designed black cloak that covers half of his body. His cloak also had a hood but it is down, making the others see his handsome face. Unlike the traditional dress that he wore since he's little, Shiine now wears royal blue trousers fashioned like slacks.

"Hello everybody, I'm back".

Seeing the newcomer, everyone just stood on their spot, frozen.

……………………….

……………………….

……………………….

"Big brother!" Prism shouted. As if her shout was everyone's cue, they all came running towards him. Prism came to him first, hugging him, which looks more like tackling. After her are Chacha and Riiya, then the rest of his friends. Chacha's eyes look glassy, as if tears are threatening to spill anytime. Riiya on the other hand is all goo-goo eyed. They all circled around him, crying hugging and laughing all at the same time. Shinee's parents and teachers secluded themselves in the back, with a smile on their faces and contented in just seeing friends reunite.

Eventually, the crowd calmed down. Shiine's father, Access, cleared his throat. Automatically, it became silent and the crowd part to make way for the grown ups. They also hugged him, even her mother cried tears of joy after seeing and hugging her only son. Soon enough, the party had started, each and everyone went for the food at the table.

Seravi, Dorothy, Riiya, Chacha, Shiine and his family shared one table. All of them are in smiles, especially Shiine who haven't tried his mother's cooking for four years. Although he himself is an excellent cook, Shiine always thought that his mother's cooking is somehow different and more delicious.

"You must have learned a lot in Covertia Shiine. I always think that you've preferred books than us. You haven't gone home in four years!" Dorothy started; her long pink hair was now cut up to her mid-back. She really looked motherly now but her brilliant violet eyes are as striking and as full of spirit as ever.

"Uuum, I really regret not having the chance to come home for the last four years teacher Dorothy, but, you must understand, I cannot go home unless I've finished school"

"But I must say Shiine, the time you've spent learning there is paying off. I didn't even sense that you're here the moment you've arrived!" Seravi said his eyes full of astonishment.

"Yeah!" Riiya interjected "Your smell didn't change for the last four years but I don't see the reason why I didn't get your scent, well, not until you announced your presence that is"; he then hungrily munched on his fried chicken.

"Well guys, to tell you the truth, I just want to surprise Prism in the process. I've never thought that there will be other people here in our house. I am even surprised myself for what happened!" Shiine answered laughing nervously while scratching the back of his head at the same time.

Shiine's visitors all had a good time. Riiya tried continuously to persuade him to drink some beer in which he always refused giving the lame excuse that he could get easily intoxicated with the drink. Shiine learned that his teachers Dorothy and Seravi now have a son they named Zed but could not come to the party because he is just a month old. With all the commotion going inside the house, Shiine couldn't help himself but look at the princess at the corner of his eyes. As he have expected, she is lovelier than whatever look he could ever imagine.

Catching himself once more, he shook his head. Shiine have to remind himself again and again to stop these feelings he's experiencing to prevent problems in the future, mainly, problems of his poor little heart being squashed. With a determined look in his eyes, Shiine came into a decision that they have to remain only as friends and that he should stay away from the princess as far as possible, to keep himself from hurting inside.

After some louder celebrating, the party ended at midnight. Everyone was tired and went to their respective homes. Shiine's family settled in for the night. Shiine is now back in his old room that was kept clean by his mother. Sleep seems to be rare to him that night, who would be if the lovely image of the princess lingers in his mind every time he closed his eyes.

'I wonder what will happen now… now that I'm back'

oOo

"I am very confident of your capabilities Shiine, and now that you are finally working here with us, I am sure that being one of my advisors befits you. Together with the rest of the kingdom, we will strive to keep unity and peace."

Chacha's father, the king shook Shiine's hand firmly. Currently, they are situated in the throne room of the castle, with many people inside, all with high positions in the kingdom. Three months have passed since Shiine came back, since then, many jobs that have been offered to him. Some of those jobs include him working with people and acting as their leader. Dorothy even suggested to him to start a school of magic.

But he refused all of them. All of them include being close to her. As he thought, Chacha remained the sweet and naïve girl that he loves. She even became lovelier through time…

But, keeping his distance from her seems inevitable.

At the first three months of being back, Shiine thought that he had found a way to make himself scarce in the castle by taking the position as one of the Governors in the farthest part of the kingdom. His family for one is surprised by his decision. Prism even made a tantrum after hearing the news. They thought that finally, Shiine will be with them. But they finally surrendered to his decision after hearing a valid reason from the brown-haired genius 'We have to cultivate and make progress in the towns that are located at the farthest part of the kingdom, they needed our support.'

During those times, Shiine spent all his time making new progress for the town he was assigned to. His efforts quickly gave results which instantly made him one of the most famous and respected governors in the kingdom. His efforts, although he didn't want it to be, made the king decide that Shiine is meant for greater things, thus, the king appointed him as one of his royal and trusted advisors, the youngest one at that. (Seravi is technically not one of the king's advisors when he was younger; he is actually one of the kingdom's knights).

At last, the commemoration for Shinee's appointment ended. His friends and family congratulated him warmly. The king is in all smiles, happy with his decision. After the congratulations, the king's father nudged him, motioning him that they should have a private talk in the library. Agreeing with the proposition, Shiine followed the old man in the library.

o0o

Inside, Shiine saw the ex-king sat in front of a large oak table. The old man motioned him to sit on one of the fluffy chairs across it. Shiine looked at the old man, curious, but nonetheless followed his silent command.

"I see that you are now one of the king's advisers… You should be proud of what you've done so far young man", the ex-king started as he put his elbows on top of the table.

"Thank you your highness. Although I feel a little nervous ab-"

"NONSENSE! You don't have to be nervous lad because you deserve what you have received! Just imagining what you've done there, in one of our most isolated towns, well, I could just say that I am speechless! I have never seen a town progress that much in such a short time!" the old man cut him off. His eyes contain so much pride and happiness for the young lad in front of him.

Shiine was embarrassed from the compliments that Chacha's grandfather gave him. Although what the old man said is true, he feels that holding such a position in the castle must require a lot of experience and wisdom, not to mention, age. Although there is still a little blush visible on his cheeks, he decided to stir their conversation elsewhere or he would have to risk more embarrassment.

"Uhmmm… your highness", he started putting on his poker face and looked at the old man in the eyes, "I believed that you've summon me here for some important reason?"

"Ahhh, yes, actually I want to talk to you about the arrangements on your sleeping quarters here in the castle." The old man smiled at that.

"Sleeping quarters?" he arched his brows, clearly confused.

"Yes. Don't you know it yet?"

Seeing the young man shake his head, the ex-king continued.

"Actually, I thought that Access have told you already about this. Your father, my son and I have discussed about it sometime ago. I am sorry that it came as a shock for you but you see, there are currently many work that needs to be done here in the castle, and since that you are the youngest and most dedicated person that we've seen so far, your father feared that you might exhaust yourself in your work and that it will be too tiring for you to go home."

Shiine's time froze. He can't believe that the most dreaded thing that he feared after accepting the position already happened… and sooner than what he have anticipated. He will actually live at the same roof as Chacha. He should be delighted at the fact, true… if only it were four to five years back. But now, he dreaded it, him and her at the same roof only means that he would see her often and must communicate with her in the process. He is trapped. True, love is a bliss, but it could torment the person too…

But maybe, just maybe, he could still get himself out of this, after all, self-preservation is one of the most important thing to a man.

Of course, he could not say to the old man in front of him that he could just teleport himself home. But, his professor in Covertia, George, told him that he shouldn't use his hidden powers and techniques if unnecessary. Actually, before he came back home, George told Shiine not to let the others know what he has learned in Covertia unless it is needed

'Looks like the teleporting reason is out of the my choices, I've got to think something else!', looking at his feet that were nervously clattering at the floor, he waited for some seconds to gather courage. Once that's done, he looked directly to the eyes of the ex-king.

"Your highness, I believe that it won't be necessary anymore, you see since the last four years, I've made myself strong both physically and mentally. I assure you that by the time I went home, I will not be as tired as you originally thought I would."

"Nonsense boy, I have handled the position as king for forty years and it made me immensely tired from all the work everyday! We wouldn't want our youngest advisor make himself sick do we?"

By this time, the ex-king is now standing and walking towards a pile of books in the corner of the room, his back facing Shiine and looking interested in one of them.

'Some other approach then', Shiine thought, becoming nervous at every second that passed.

"But your highness, you see, seeing that I am now working closer to my home, I thought that I would finally get a chance to be with my family for sometime. I've missed them terribly, not to mention that my little sister would throw another fit if she ever discovers that I will not be staying at home this time."

The ex-king becomes silent for a while. Shiine could swear that the old man looked nervous for a second at his words but decided against it since Chacha's grandfather's back is facing him. But after closing the book that ex-king is currently looking at, he faced the younger lad with a serious face.

"I've already talked to your father at that one Shiine. He said that he will agree only if you like the arrangement."

'Yes!'

"But, when I told him that you might push yourself to the limit, he becomes concerned of your well-being. I am sure that he knows you well because after some thinking, he decided to agree to my proposition; maybe your father thought that you would actually tire yourself out. He reasoned that since you now lived closer to your home, visiting you here will be easier too. Your sister seems to love the idea of visiting you here."

Shiine's face faulted after hearing that, he felt trapped once again. 'So, my family already knew about these arrangements, I wonder why they didn't tell me". He is quickly running out of excuses. Now, even using Prism as an escape goat evaporated. He has to think fast!

"Is that so…" the only thing that Shiine could say, buying himself some time, but…

"I thought that you would love the idea sonny boy!" the ex-king cut his myriad of thoughts.

'Wait! What does he mean by that?' he thought, trying fervently to control an upcoming blush, but then quickly got a hold of himself. 'Of course, Chacha's grandpa might normally talk like that, he has to be, there's no other reason for it'. The ex-king didn't seem to notice his reaction yet because he continued on what he is saying.

"I knew that you've missed my grand daughter and Riiya. That is why I really thought that you'll be delighted to know that you are free to live here!"

'Oh no! What can I say to that? I can't tell him that I am trying to hide away from them! They'll know the truth!' he sighed internally, 'I guess there's no other way around it now'. Shiine gave up from trying. He know that if he made other excuses after what the king just said, it will only make him suspicious and not to mention defensive.

Simply put, Shiine is trapped, and there is no way of escape. Hiding the reluctance in his voice, he answered.

"Yes, of course I miss them. I'm honored your highness for your family's hospitality, thank you very much"

With this, Chacha's grandfather beamed.

o0o

Author's Notes:

What will happen when Shiine moved in the castle? You just have to wait for the next chapter! I've made Shiine somehow naïve here, because what I have noticed in the anime, somehow, he always got himself confused at times to the most normal occurrences.

Well, because I am quite intrigued, I decided to look for some information about Shiine and discovered that his father's name is actually Access; his mother is nameless as well as Chacha's family. Maybe, I haven't looked well enough, so if anyone would like to supply me with their names please do so in your reviews.

Much to my surprise, I also discovered that Akazukin Chacha also has a manga (duh! It should be obvious from the start stupid!) But, I am surprised to know that the anime and the manga are different from one another. Just to make it clear to the readers, I am following the anime series since I've never saw the manga. But in later chapters, I might mix some manga info here.

Oh, and before I forgot, Suzu, the little ninja is known as Orin in other translations. It is just that when the anime is dubbed here in our country way back, she is called Suzu.

Anyways, I would like to say sorry if anyone anticipated that I will tell the story of Shiine's training in Covertia. I would, eventually, but I am thinking that I will make it in the form of flashbacks. And I would like to thank Patzmelody for giving her review. Her review brought back my energy in continuing the story, not only that, she brought back the happy feeling whenever I wrote this one.

Don't forget to review! I would really like to know what you think with this one. The review button is just down there people!