Chapter 2
Meeting you
A voice of an anonymous announcer can be heard from those speakers, busy footsteps echoes in the floor from various directions as those bodyguards and their guard dogs look in every direction in case that there are any dangers ahead.
In the midst of these busy bodies, two certain girls are sitting in their seats waiting for their departure.
"You ready? Our flight will be next soon." ask Runo to Alice
"Yeah, I am ready." reply Alice giving her a reassuring look
"Do you want another hot chocolate? You want me to take you to the restroom just in case…" Runo was requesting to Alice not sure if her friend is feeling okay.
"Runo, I'll be fine. Don't worry." stated Alice and chuckles.
"Okay but if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." said Runo looking at her orange haired friend.
Alice nodded and went to that huge glass window besides her.
She took a last look to her former home.
"This is where I live and my life began and grows up to be the person of today and now…" Alice sighed before she continue
"I have to leave this place to start my very own journey. I've always been a captive in my own memories and now that my past leaves behind me. I've decided to go on with my life."
Mother, Father, Grandfather, Mr. Marukuro, everyone. I've promise that I will make my dreams come true someday." She murmurs as she gazes at the airplane descended in landing.
Then another announcement has been made.
"Attention all passengers who are departing Wardington City, Please precede to the hallway lobby 1.
We are leaving at the said departure time. Please be reminded that don't leave your things inattentively.
Thank you for coming at Russian Airlines. We hope that you enjoy your stay."
Runo stand up and carries her and Alice's luggage and went to her friend.
"It's time Alice, I can't wait to introduce you to your new home." said Runo feeling happy about this
"Yeah, Let's go." said Alice as she look at Runo and smiles.
Another beautiful morning in Wardington, You could feel the fresh air in its presence as birds chirping making a beautiful rhythm to realize the music of nature. The nature that would be found at this dojo.
*What's taking him so long* thought Shun.
He is waiting his turn to take a shower 20 minutes ago. He didn't need to knock the door for the second time for the door opened slowly revealing a brown haired boy wearing a white towel covering his lower body and another towel in his head.
"About time you decided to come out" said Shun sarcastically. He didn't need to doubt why he is wasting time taking a 'shower'. The fact of being 'slow' made him realizes that.
"Sorry bud, I'll borrow your clothes okay?" said Dan as he holds his left shoulder and went to his bedroom.
"Okay." Shun replied and proceed to the bathroom.
He notices the disaster his buddy made in the shower room. Shun sighs seeing this before him.
*Better clean up the shower room first, the shampoo is already making this place is slippery.* He thought as he find the contents of the said liquid scattered in the shower room.
"He better have a good explanation for….Whoa!" said Shun as he slipped into the liquid and hit his head on the cold floor.
"Typical, you'll pay for this!" exclaims Shun while seeing birds floating in the sky or his head.
"Hope he didn't see that one, I didn't mean to do it the first place, Oh well…I guess he didn't mind." Dan explained to himself while wearing Shun's red collared shirt. He buttoned the shirt then zipped the zipper in 'his' blue jeans. He combs his wet hair and messy hair and looks in the mirror.
*Huh, Even wearing Shun's clothes, I still look cute and handsome.* Dan thought and cross his arms.
*No wonder girls are dying over me* he thought again praising himself once more.
*But still* Dan look at his reflection once more. *I wish I could find someone who would appreciate me not being a popular bass guitarist but who I really am, Well Shun was one but I wish…* he was cut off
"You okay Dan? You're spacing again." ask Shun with concern.
"I'm fine and whoa that's fast." said Dan looking at Shun.
"Oh dude! Put your clothes already!" shouts Dan covering his eyes with his hands.
"Relax, I will…" Shun walks to the cabinet fill with clothes. He chooses his clothes in a matter of seconds. He chooses a purple shirt with sleeves and a pair of green jeans. The black haired boy chuckles.
"You know, don't overact over that." said Shun wearing his clothes.
"Still…." Dan thought for a lame excuse and sighs thinking it would be best not to explain in to him. Dan look at Shun
"See you at the dining hall, I'm starving already." said Dan smelling the aroma in the kitchen using his nose instincts.
Shun nodded and look at Dan leaving the room. On the meantime, Shun wears his clothes and looks at the mirror.
AT THE DINING HALL
"So what's today's menu. Mr. Okiru." ask Dan holding the utensils in his hands while looking at the old man.
The old man raise an eyebrow confuse of Dan's statement.
Dan, who was waiting a response but realize…
"I mean, what's for breakfast?" asked Dan specifically.
"Ah" The old man understood and put down from the tray and placed it on the glass table. Dan was looking at the food in the table.
Mr. Okiru cooks 2 big bowls of fried rice, some fried eggs and bacons.
"We have to wait for Shun to join us." said Mr. Okiru looking at Dan who was probably drooling all over the glass table.
Shun arrives at the scene and sit next to Dan.
"Okay, Let's eat." said Mr. Okiru sitting in the front of the boys.
"Boy, I hope they taste delicious." said Dan hopingly to satisfy his taste buds and his tummy.
The two boys and the old man began eating their breakfast and after a few minutes, they stop satisfying their urge.
"So are you going to tell me why you give me that kunai in the first place?" ask Shun looking at his grandfather. As patient as he is, He couldn't wait any minute to know his grandfather's motive.
Mr. Okiru thought that this is the time to tell Shun the either good or bad news.
"You see, This kunai has been passed generation to generation inheriting the ways of the ninja but time has passed that this tradition no longer existed in the modern days. Now, this culture presents a reminiscence of the past, a memory of the forgotten." said Mr. Okiru and sighs
"What's so special about this kunai anyway?" ask Dan getting curious about this. Shun raise an eyebrow looking at Dan and look at his grandfather.
"You see this kunai is very unique for this holds a history of the ninjas a long time ago." said Mr. Okiru and proceed to tell the history.
"Long time ago, War has been made between all clans to determine who are the strongest. It was a blood bath battle; a merciless procedure to know who the strongest ninja is is ever live. A last man standing.
It's been a year and finally that war made its peak. Two young ninjas from each clan were the only ones left in each clan. They brace into action. They fought until the very end wielding their name of their clan and it declare that…" recalls Mr. Okiru looking at the boys glaring at each other.
"That no one won." He said finishing the story.
"What?" They shouted not believing the conclusion of Mr. Okiru story.
"Getting to my point, one of those young ninjas wield that kunai, the one I gave you last night.
Tradition said that you've only give this kunai if this person is worthy enough to surpass the successor." Mr. Okiru explains and looks at the young ninja in front of him. He sighs as he was about to tell the news to his grandson.
"Shun, my boy, you have grown so much. You've been doing good, no excellent in these years of training and learn every lesson I taught to you faster than my capabilities. Shun, You've surpass me, your grandfather, the current successor of the family." said Mr. Okiru congratulating him thinking it's really a big deal. He looks at the glass table.
Dan looks up to his friend in a state of shock or surprise. He could see it in his eyes underneath of that cold mask of his. On the other hand, Shun was still thinking whether he should be happy, proud, glad, etc. He doesn't know how to express this unexplainable emotions mixing inside his mind or heart but the idea of surpassing his grandfather made him to think to congratulate himself for a job well done.
Then a string of memory came running in his thoughts.
"Wait, you've said earlier that this tradition doesn't exist anymore and still you are doing this to me…why?" ask Shun looking at his grandfather glancing at the table.
"Let's just say... that time diminishes history. Days gone by that the system of living today changes as histories known on that time are called trash and a 'waste of time' if you prefer it that way. It really is sad to forget this history though it really is necessary to move on and create a new era on generation." explains Mr. Okiru not wanting to explain the real mystery of the kunai's history knowing this would end up as a long story indeed. Instead, He just tells the boys the logic explanation for it.
*Man, if that's the case then my band and I could get outshine by another band who are way more popular and have more talent than us. That won't happen! They will have to go through us. My fans needed me* thought Dan visualizing himself and the band with his fans.
"On second thought, Getting second rated is not such a bad idea." murmur Dan thinking the effect of being too popular.
Busy cars honking from different directions and the sound of footsteps echoes as their feet made contact on the sidewalks which people use to walk their way to go to a certain places.
"It's still the same as always." The blue haired girl said as she glances at the window.
"This place is sure crowded." The orange haired girl said looking at the vehicles.
"Yeah." said Runo agreeing to Alice's view.
"Are there any parks in here?" ask Alice as she look at the people in those restaurants.
"Yeah, There are, If you want, I'll tour you in Wardington tomorrow." state Runo as she look at Alice's direction.
The orange haired girl nodded in agreement. She rests her body on the backseat. She closes her eyes as she is tired after that long trip.
After some time, they arrive at their destination.
"Wake up Alice, We're here." said Runo as she's trying to wake up Alice.
The orange haired girl yawns and slowly opens her eyes. The blue haired girl pays the fee for the taxi driver. Both of them went down and carry their luggage. Alice look up at Runo's house with a café sign on it.
It was a medium size café with customers inside as she looks at the window pane. The wall designs of the café are simple and elegant.
"Come on Alice." shout Runo waving at Alice.
"Oh right" said Alice and went to the café.
BACK AT THE DOJO
"What?" The boys exclaim to the old man making him put his index finger inside his left ear after hearing an annoying shout of the two especially Shun.
*What's the big deal anyway?* thought Mr. Okiru thinking of his idea.
On the other side, the boys are having a hard time getting their nerves to cool down.
*Oh God, My gramps is sick literally!* thought Shun not believing the previous words the old man said earlier.
*Oh boy, this is great. This means a celebration* thought Dan imagining himself and Shun spending a lot of time together than he could imagine or expect.
"So when are you going to leave?" ask Shun calming himself in the process.
"Tomorrow morning, as an official ninja, you must do your first mission." said Mr. Okiru looking at the window.
"Guard and clean this dojo at all cost. Make sure that this place is clean and spiffy when I get back." said Mr. Okiru and look at Dan's direction.
"Being Shun's friend or only friend, I am indebt to trust you and that means, you have to do some chores here as well." said Mr. Okiru to Dan.
As they heard of this, the ninja boy smirks looking at Dan who is troubled of doing this chores instructed by Mr. Okiru.
"Why my first mission would be like a maiden or some sort anyway…?" ask Shun to his grandfather.
"Sarcastically speaking, that's normal when the owner of the house leaves right? He assigned maidens to make his house in check and since I have some kind of relationship with you two, I don't need to pay you guys up." said Mr. Okiru wearing a grinning smile.
"Now, Can I count on you two?" ask Mr. Okiru looking at the boys.
The boys exchange looks and shrug at the same time.
"Sure" They both said in unison thinking it would be a piece of cake.
"Which reminds me…" said Mr. Okiru as he remembers something in mind. He picks something out of his pocket and shows the boys a piece of paper.
"Since you and Shun have nothing else to do, I want you two to pick up some items at the grocery store"
"What?" They exclaim again at the top of their lungs. The old man give them a hit on a head each with his wooden stick.
"Owe. Sorry" they both said sorrily.
A group of employees working at their assigned position with a variety of items seen in every section as people take each of them from side to side. At first, This place is very quiet to begin with.
"Okay, so we need to get a sack of rice, some eggs, 2 raw chickens…" said Shun as he look at Dan getting more set of snacks and beverages and puts them in the trolley. Shun glared at his friend while Dan gave him a reassuring look.
"Dan, where are we supposed to put all the items now?" ask Shun as he look at the trolley fill with goodies.
"Oh yeah, I'll be right back to get another trolley." reply Dan and went to get another trolley.
*He better not expecting me to buy all of this.* thought Shun angrily and went to search for the items.
Even for a teenager, He was having trouble finding these items at this large area. He could try using some of his ninja moves but then again, He decided to go and ask for the merchandiser besides him.
*Where are you Dan* thought Shun.
He didn't need to find him though because of the squeals and shrieks of hundreds of fangirls running after their favorite guitarist boy.
"Shun, Help me!" shouted Dan at him as he run faster avoiding the girls.
The ninja boy rush to help Dan by using his speed in this situation.
"Sir, would you like to try our cookies?" a woman ask carrying a plate filled with assorted cookies.
He picks and eat one while watching Dan and his fangirls.
On the other hand, Dan was still running for his life until an idea popped in his mind thinking it's super genius. He went to the men's restroom and shut the door close. He lean his ear to hear sighs of defeat.
"Finally, I can breathe…Oh wait, I'm in a restroom. Oh well." said Dan and waited for the right time to come out when the door open revealing the raven-haired boy.
"Shun, I'm so glad that you're here!" said Dan finally seeing Shun.
"Aren't celebrities suppose to give public affection." ask Shun as he heard more shrieks outside the restroom.
"Yeah but I need some personal space for once though I did deserve this being popular at all." said Dan closing his eyes while leaning on the door. Shun sighs as he saw a tiring figure in front of him.
"So what are we going to do now?" ask Shun to Dan
"We have to get rid of the girls and when I said 'we' I mean you. I'll just wait here until all those girls are out of my sight." reply Dan looking at Shun
"Yeah, there were hordes of fangirls waiting for you in the hallway, By the way, how do I suppose to get rid of your admirers?" said Shun follow by screams and shrieks of girls.
"I love you Dan! Will you marry me?" one of the fangirls shouts.
"Can you give me your autograph?" another fangirl has spoken follow by more irritating and loud screams.
"Me too" They all said
"Attenton all customers: Buy an ice cream at Senlie's ice cream shop and you will receive a tag. Present this tag at Pepperoni Palace to get a family size Hawaiian pizza for free. This promo will be starting today until 4:00pm. Get one today." said an anonymous announcer
As they heard of this, They all come running outside including some customers at the store leaving the store empty with the cashiers, merchandisers, the manager and a certain redhead girl.
"Well that work fine." said Shun peeking at the hallway.
"Luck has finally returned to me!" shouts Dan as he slams the door open. He looks at the hallway and saw a familiar girl.
"No way" said Dan looking at her.
AT THE CAFE
Alice was looking outside of the window. She looks below to see people coming across the streets and some children playing dodgeball at the playground.
She heard a knock on the door.
As the door opens, she looks at the blue haired girl to her left who was in deep thought. Runo look at Alice who was looking at her in sincere.
"Okay Alice, This is your guide book and a map here in Wardington if you are going to some places or landmark here." said Runo as she handed her a map and a little yellow book.
"Thanks Runo." said Alice wearing a smile and
"What are you thinking Runo?" ask Alice to Runo
"Oh nothing Alice, I've just you know thinking…" said Runo feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden.
"Come on Runo, You can tell me." said Alice making Runo's confidence restores. Runo takes a deep breath before she answers.
"I've heard some rumors that a certain band is here in Wardington now." said Runo feeling uncertain of believing this rumor itself not that she would like of the band is here at this place at this time.
"Oh I see and when do you heard of this?" ask Alice getting curious about this.
"This morning, one of my friends here in Wardington said that her friend of a friend actually saw one member of the band. His name is Dan Kuso." state Runo as she was lost in thought again.
She dreams of the day that she would meet and greet such a cutie guy in person. It was her wish, a very rare wish to come true. Luck wasn't on her side thinking it would be impossible to happen.
"So this band is popular?" said Alice trying to make Runo come back to her senses. Runo sighs and look absently at the floor for awhile.
"So I've taken that you have a crush on Dan Kuso?" said Alice making Runo look at the orange haired friend eye wide.
"No I am not!" Runo reply trying to convince Alice that she doesn't have any feelings for him…
Alice looks at her friend's cheeks from white to crimson. She would want to tease her but then again, She came into a conclusion that Runo would prevent to submit to her idea.
"Okay then" said Alice ending with a teasing note making Runo look away from her.
*I want to know this band for myself* thought Alice to herself.
"So Alice, Is this place cool or what." ask Runo trying to change the current subject.
"It's great though the place is kind of crowded and noisy." reply Alice's first impression over this place.
"Welcome to the urban world." said Runo looking at Alice
AT THE STORE
"Thanks a lot Mira! I owe you big time!" said Dan holding her left leg.
"No problem Dan." said the redhead girl and giggles for Dan have wakened her tickling senses on her leg.
"Dan, you might stop snuggling her leg." said Shun. The brown haired teenager didn't listens to Shun's plea and holding her leg even tightly.
Luckily she didn't mind.
"So you've must be Dan's friend, Shun Kazami. Nice to meet you, Dan told me all about you." said Mira looking at the ninja boy and wears a smile. They shake hands
"Huh, Silent type aren't you?" Mira ask recalling Dan's story.
Shun nodded and cross his arms.
"I take it that you're a guitarist like Dan." ask Shun to her not having full knowledge about the band. Mira nodded in reply.
"So you and Dan are getting something at my father's store huh?" ask Mira to Shun.
"Your father's store?" ask Shun glancing at the hallway
"Yeah, since Mr. Brown gave us a break for a month, I decided to stay with my father though it's not that easy to take a break you know?" said Mira as she looks at Dan.
"Fanboys?" said Shun asking her
"Fanboys." said Mira and giggles at Shun for figuring out what she meant.
"Well, since you and Dan's problem sorted out, I'll help with your groceries" Mira suggests to them
The boys exchange looks and they nodded.
"Okay then and Dan, You can let go now." said Mira looking at her leg Dan was holding.
"Oh sorry." said Dan and let go and they went back
BACK WITH THE GIRLS
"Runo, I'll go by something. I'll be right back." said Alice opening the door.
"You need any help Alice?" ask Runo looking at her.
"No, I'm good, besides I have my guide book you gave." said Alice putting her yellow book on her shoulder bag.
"Okay then but come back soon." said Runo still thinking of Alice's safety.
Alice gave her a reassuring look and closes the door.
Runo sighs and look above on the floor. She closes her eyes.
*I have to protect Alice from any harm. I'm still assigned as her guardian afterall. I would never let my responsibility taken too lightly.* thought Runo as she imagine Alice again.
*Oh Alice, You're indeed a beautiful inside and out, something I don't have and you are very gullible over all things. She is like a white flower that wasn't touch amid of this 'reality'.*
She looks at the drawer. On top of it was a picture frame of 2 girls in a park.
*In her indescribable beauty, every guy could fall in love or admire her in a matter of seconds. Even it's cool to have boys fall in love with her; there is another side of it that I don't want to witness to her. I have to keep my eyes open for any person who has a sensual desire over her. They had to go through me first with my deadliest body.*
thought Runo gazing the picture once more. She had made a promise, an oath of responsibility to her friend who has been like a sister to her.
MEANWHILE…
"Achoo!" The raven haired boy sneeze making him scratches his noise.
"Wow Shun, You've been sneezing a lot lately." said Dan and handed him his brown handkerchief.
"Thanks" said Shun taking Dan's cloth and cover his noise sneezing in the process.
"You okay" said Dan touching his forehead. "You seem to have a fever" state Dan as he removes his right hand.
"I'm fine." said Shun looking at his friend and his unlikely disguise.
"Good thing, I've buy this cap, a pair of sunglasses and this cool fake beard, very clever huh?" said Dan pointing out the items he buy at the store wearing them in his face.
Shun rolled his eyes thinking that his idea is very…imaginable to happen though he admit that he's glad that this idea could prevent more admirers getting their attention, well his attention.
The black haired boy stroll the grocery trolley they had borrowed from Mira's father and walk their way back home. The reason of it was kind of complicated, the idea of the items are quite many thanks to Dan's desire of food.
Then they come to approach an ice cream parlor.
"Hey buddy, Want to have an ice cream." said Dan taking something out of his pocket. Shun nodded and Dan handed him the money.
"Get a vanilla ice cream like that" said Dan pointing the poster.
Dan stroll the trolley and shelter himself in the parlor's shed.
"I'll wait and keep the change." said Dan giving him a thumbs up
Shun open the door and went to the second counter.
"One vanilla and chocolate ice cream please" said Shun to the cashier.
The cashier sighs as he pointed the empty containers.
"Sorry sir but we gave the last chocolate ice cream pint to a customer and just recently, a group of ladies just happen to buy some ice cream too. Come back next time." said the cashier looking at Shun who is scratching his head thinking what he would do about this.
*What now* thought Shun thinking this is a big deal. Dan and Shun really need this dessert for a hot day like this.
"You can have mine." said a girl approaching to him. She shows the pint of chocolate ice cream, Shun's favorite flavor.
"This is the only thing I got." said the girl blushing and giggles at the same time.
"Uhmm, Miss, Are you sure you wanted me to have this." said Shun looking at Dan at the window.
The girl nodded and handed him the ice cream. Shun shows the money to the girl.
"Keep it, you need it more than I do." said girl giggling with her melodic tune again
She looks at him and she had to admit, He is very mysterious and not that she would be scared of it, instead she likes it.
Shun looks at her as well. The girl's eyes are similar to his favorite flavor as her orange hair sways down with her simple clothing disguise her undeniable beauty.
The cashier looks at the two making those 'eye contacts' or so called 'loving looks in their eyes' as she look at them like their in a romantic scene. As much as she wanted to shriek or squeal thinking about it, sadly she can't because her manager can hear her and get scolded for the 5th time.
We can't even tell how many minutes they were looking from one another hence they manage to break eye contacting not knowing why they look at each other in the first place.
"Uh, I got to go, Thank you miss…" said Shun wanting to know her name.
"Alice, I'm Alice." said Alice showing her hand.
"Shun." he introduces himself to the girl and holds her hand.
Alice smiles lighten up the gloomy atmosphere in the parlor and Shun, well despite of this; He still wears that cold mask of his.
And alas they've finally meet, the ninja and the painter and in this unlikely meeting, Could this be as what they say, meant to be?
END OF CHAPTER 2
Hey guys, First of all. Let me apologize to all of you for not updating this chapter last week. There are 3 main reasons:
1) Last week was Holy Week and my parents restricted us for doing irrelevant things *like surf the net, play games, and more activities* that is interfering our respect to God *Yeah, If anyone wanted to know what Holy Week is. It is a week of celebrating Jesus and his memorable times.
2)Last Sunday *which was Easter Sunday*. It was a big reunion for our family. We've met our aunts, uncles and my cousins from faraway places and that event turn the tables when my uncle got caught in a motorcycle accident, *Yeah, He was drunk...very predictable to happen* and we went for him in the hospital
and Lastly, I was helping with my mother door-to-door selling that time...*She's my mom afterall, I have to support her in anyway I can*
and the Last excuse would be my laziness XD. Not really, It's natural for people to be lazy right?
Thank you for such heart warming reviews:
Ate AliceXShunMEGAFan17
Ate Jazzy
Ate star-bright-708
Ate shadowwing1994 and to
Ate MarshmellowsSleeping (yum...Marshmellows)
*By the way, Ate (pronounce as AH-TE means sister,) Hope you guys dont mind about calling you that..^_^
So until then