Yay chapter 2 (technically chapter 1) is here! Thanks guys for the review on the prologue! I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it~

Unfortunately this takes place during the Edo period so Rikuo or Wakana doesn't exist in this story, sorry! T_T Yamabuki will be though! But I'm not telling you what her role would be until later in the story. Well enjoy!

Title: Remember Me
Genre: Romance/Drama/Suspense/Humor
Rating: T+(lots of heart pounding blush scenes in the later chapters)
Paring: RihanXOC


Remember Me

Chapter 1

-Moon Princess, Kaguya-


Bright lights clouded the images I cannot see. Glowing and wavering like the ripples above the surfaces of the water. Hands reaching down from above these lights, but I can't connect these hands to the face of its owners. Closer….move closer to those hands. Reach out and grab them. With fingers outstretch toward the light as our hands touch causes the image to scatter. The hands started to break down into millennium of diamonds. The glittering lights dance around my eyes as I watch in awe.

"…..-guya…"

What? I can't hear you…

Kaguya…

Kaguya!

The realistic scream startled me out of my slumber and I bolted up right in surprise. My hands accidentally knocked over cups that had been place next to my futon and spilling water over the tatami floor. The glass rolled across the floor, creating loud clinks when they hit one other by force impact. The sounds bounce around the empty room in an eerily way. Steadying my trembling hands, I cling onto the sheets under me as I look around my room in alarm.

A tremor ran down my spine as I clutch onto the side of my head in frustration. Needing the feel of reality, I tug on my hair as if to wake up from this dream. I curse under my breath while minutes pass by for my erratic heart to steady its pace back to normal.

Damn it, it happened again…that dream. Why? What does it all mean? I thought as I feel the beating of my heartbeat picking up speed. I gritted my teeth when an agonizing pain welled up inside my head. I clutch both sides of my head with my fingers clinging desperately to my hair to ease the uncontrollable pain.

"Please go away…go away…go away." I whisper throughout the dark room. Slits of the moonlight peeking inside from the front of my room is the only source of light that has to offer. Small drops of tears welled up on the corner of my eyes, but I refuse to let it drop down the sides of my cheeks. Eyes wavering in a pleading voice of silence while I stare through the crack door and up at the moon. "Help me…"

As if hearing my plea, the pain slowly but surely subsided and a small sigh escapes my lips. My hands drops to the side in unexpected exhaustion. I titled my head up to stare absently at the ceiling. Suddenly feeling suffocated, I force my body to move forward to open my room for the moonlight to shower itself around me. Cool breeze of the wind softly brush against my cheeks as I sigh out in relief. Blissfully closing my eyes as I bathe myself in the moonlight full of stars in the night sky.

"Kaguya?" At my name being called, I turn my head towards the person who spoke to me. My alerted eyes soften and a smile grew on my lips.

"Father." I whisper and bow my head as he approach me with concern written on his face. I properly sat up on my knees as my father, Okina, seated himself next to me.

"Did you have another bad dream?" Okina ask me as he meets my restless eyes. I admitted nodded my head and look back up at the moon. As if to comfort me, Okina places his hand on mine and gave a light squeeze of reassurance.

A soft smile curve on my lips as I said, "Thanks."

Okina and I sat in silence, both staring up at the night sky. The cool wind slightly picked up as it cause the chimes hanging in the hallway to ring a pleasant tune. Nights like these doesn't come often for us to spend time with one another. Father have become very busy with his work and mother have her own schedule to attend to. I don't blame them though, knowing they do these work for my sake.

Okina had adopted me when I just a little baby. Back then, father was a common farmer who works in the bamboo field of long hours from sunrise to sunset. And after father adopted me into the family, our lives have been very prosperous. Okina never gave me the details, but it didn't matter to me.

I turn my attention to Okina as he continue to look up at the moon. I can see the silver strands started to grow at the end of his hair. Even though I'm not his child by blood, Okina never treated me any different if I was his own blood. I am so grateful to have wonderful parents in my life, and wish to someday repay them.

"Father?" I ask as Okina look over at me with a gentle smile. So I continue, "Will you tell me the story about the Bamboo Cutter again?"

"You really like that story don't you Kaguya?" Father ask in amusement which I nodded in embarrassment. "I thought you would tell me that you're too old to tell fairytale to, but I guess not?"

"Father please, I'm not that old yet. I said teasingly with a hurtful expression. I pouted, "I'm only twenty-two."

Okina chuckles in amusement, and ruffled up my hair with his hands. I pouted even more and quickly fix my hair as I said, "Father! I'm not that young either so don't treat me like I'm ten."

"Alright, alright. I can't seem to please you either way." Okina joked as he settles his laughter before speaking again, "One day, while walking in the bamboo forest…"

I sat up straighter when Okina started to tell the tale and I silently listen to the words escaping his lips. My eyes sparkle in fascination as I listen to the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter for the thousandth time. The reason why I especially love this story is because I feel that in my heart that I can relate to the story. The Bamboo cutter reminds me of Okina and the Moon Princess has the same name as me, Kaguya-hime. It was as if this story was made for me, but I knew that this story is just another folktale that has been passed on for generations.

"So what do you think happen to the Moon Princess when the moon people took her away?" I ask father in curiosity.

"Hmm, I would like to know to that question too, but unfortunately that's the only ending I know of." Father reply as he stare up at the moon. "Maybe we should ask her."

I look up at the moon with my father with eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Yeah, we should."

A gust of wind blew pass us and we bother shiver in unison. Father and I look at one another and laugh out. Okina said, "I guess that was her answer."

Okina petted my head again, "Your hair is as beautiful as always."

"Really? I find it rather strange."

"Nonsense," Okina said and kissed my forehead goodnight before heading back to his room. I watch his back disappear as I look back up at the sky. I stayed up that night until dawn breaks. Colors from the warm sunrise wash over the sky in a breathtaking view. The sky and the animals awaken in harmonious rhythm and a beautiful play breaths out in chirping sounds and beautiful pictures unfold.

It was still too early for everyone else to be awake so I quietly retreat back to my room and change into a comfortable outfit. Without being detected, I sneak out of the house and headed towards the village down below. Even though my home was quiet as the night, the village down below started to awaken as the sun started to rise. Many famers walk out of their homes and headed towards the field with their straw hats and rake in hands. They notice me and smile as I reply with a nod in return.

"Do you need some help?" I shouted across the field as they shook their heads and politely wave me off as they go about their days. A sincere smile drew on my lips as I walk through the streets of Yokohama.

Landlords and people running the booth stands quickly open their shops for the beginning of another day. I notice an elder struggle to heave a bag of rice inside her shop and I immediately rush to her aid. At first the lady was surprise, but then she notice me and her eyes grew warm. The elderly bow gratefully as I carry the heavy sack to the back of the kitchen and assist on prepping for today's breakfast and lunch meals.

When everything was done, I was about to leave when she stop me. She handed me a punch of silvers, but as I try to refuse she gave me no room to deny. With thankful smile, I reluctantly take her offering pouch. I had no need for money so instead, I gave some to peasants who sat in the streets. Their eyes look up in surprise as I smile back at them before leaving to help assist other townspeople.

If my caretaker found out that I have been out of my home conversing with the villagers, they would have such a fuss. Even so, I can't just sit back and let my caretakers control my lifestyle. When I'm at home, I always feel suffocated with all the lessons and meetings. But out here, I never felt so free….

"Get back here you little thief!" A gruff voice of a bearded man shouted as I see him chase down a little boy through the streets. The people who sees them didn't interfere and purposely ignore the two as the man caught up with the boy and grabs him by the back of his shirt. "Gotcha!"

"Let me go! Let me go!" The little boy wails. His screaming brings panic to my heartstring and my blood boil when the man slaps the little boy across his face.

"Shut up! Now listen to me kid. I want my goods back so cough it up before I hit you again!" The man said as I march up to them. The little boy squirm under his intense gaze as I glare at the man's back who haven't yet notice me. The villagers notice my fury as they begin to murmur, which causes the man to look around him in confusion.

"Excuse me, sir." I sneer in an un-ladylike manner with my arms cross over my chest. The man immediately spun around and look down at me with slit eyes.

"Yeah, what do you want?" He asks in a disgruntle tone.

"I'll ask you nicely to please stop making a scene in this town." I said with an even tone as I look up at him. I wasn't even faze by his intimidating height as I stand tall and meet his fierce eyes. "Your actions is also unacceptable. I want you to leave that boy alone."

"Huh?" The man ask as if I was insane. "Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do? Do you want to get slap like the kid over here?"

"Please…" I said as I gave a little smile at him. I curtsy to him as if he's royalty and said, "Try me."

My mockery set fire to ablaze in his eyes and he made his move at me. His hands clinch into his, and I knew what he wanted to do. I on the other hand stood my ground as he take the last few steps forward with his fist raise to the air. The villagers screams out in horror. In seconds, my stance shift as he swings his fist down but I dodge it in seconds. Rotating in a 360 angle, I use his body weight against him and trip his footing which causes him to yelp in surprise before falling face first into the dirt floor.

"W-wha…" The man was baffled as he lifted his face from the floor. He quickly turns around and stare up at me in confusion. "H-how did you…"

"Had enough?" I ask as I glare down at him. The man look pissed off but was speechless beyond his words. Before he could snap back at me, I threw the left over pouch of silvers at him as it landed between his legs. The man look down at it and back up to me in surprise. "This should cover what that boy stole from you. Now please leave. I will not have you cause trouble in my town."

"Y-your town?" The man ask, baffled at my comments.

"Princess Kaguya!" A familiar voice called out and everyone's head turn towards the direction it was coming from. A boy was running through the village with panic eyes written all over his face when he sees me surrounded by a giant crowd of people.

"Sutemaru? What's the matter?" I ask as he rush to my side. Sutemaru tries to catch his breath as he look at the man on the floor and back at me in distress. Suddenly his hand flew up in exaggeration and I rolled my eyes knowing what was coming.

"Are you out of your mind?! What the hell do you think you're doing here?!" Sutemaru started his scolding as I cross my arms over my chest and look the other way as I try to ignore him. But my Onmyoji friend didn't notice as he continues on with his rampage, "You're a princess for kami's sakes! What would've happen if he really did hit you! He could be executed you know!"

I'm not even sure if Sutemaru is more worried about me or about the man sitting on the floor looking more and more surprise. I try to ignore Sutemaru lecture as I stare back at the man on the floor as his expression turn from surprise to fright after hearing about my identity. I don't blame him though, it wasn't his fault that he didn't know who I was.

"Are you even listening to me, Kaguya?!" Sutemaru yell in my ear and I had to quickly cover it.

"Yes I heard you. You don't have to scream, Sutemaru." I said as I sigh out. "And I wasn't planning on letting him hit me in the first place. It wasn't his fault that he didn't know who I was. He's just a traveler selling his goods through town."

"Princess…"Sutemaru sigh out while face palming himself before grabbing my hand. "Just…come on. We need to get back to the palace before anyone notice you were gone."

"Fine, let's go." I said as I let Sutemaru lead me out of the crowd.

"Princess wait..!" The gruffly man said as Sutemaru and I turn around in unison. The man look nervous as he stood back up and bow his head at me. I arch my eyebrow at his action as he look up to meet my eyes sincerely. "I-I'm sorry….for everything. I am in your debt for not executing me on the spot."

I stare at the man for a moment and smiled in return. "Just try not to lose your temper next time."

Without another word, the crowd made way for me and Sutemaru as we rush back towards the palace. We quietly sneak back into my room before my caretakers came. Sutemaru and I innocently played Hanafuda Koi Koi as the door to my room slides open as my caretakers announce themselves. At first my caretakers were surprise that I had company this early in the morning, but then they recognize Sutemaru and left us be. My caretakers left my change of clothes for the day by the front door before closing it after their departure. After they left, Sutemaru and I sigh out in relief and dropping the cards in our hands. We look at one other and burst out into a fit of laughter.

"You know you're really lucky that I was there to get you, otherwise you would've been caught already." Sutemaru said as he runs his fingers through his short black hair. His grey eyes stare back at me in amusement.

"Oh please, I would have made it in time even without your help." I said as I made a face at him and stuck my tongue out teasingly.

"Yeah, yeah." Sutemaru said, while brushing my comment off as he got up and stretch. "Well you need to get ready for your lessons. I'll meet you at the veranda."

At the mention of the word "lesson," my mood depressingly changes. The once smiling lips slips out of my face as I nodded dully. After Sutemaru takes his leave I head out to the bathe house and soaked myself in the murky water. I look down at my reflection in the water as the images ripples by my sudden movements. My hands reach down to my neck as I touch my crescent moon necklace that I never take off. A nostalgic feeling rush through my skin and I shiver in surprise. I lifted the necklace to inspect a closer view. The gold metal feels as light as a feather as it reflects the lights and causes the crystals to glitter like diamonds.

Okina had told me that this was around my neck when he adopted me, and even then I never once let this necklace out of my sight. I felt almost possessive if anyone tries lay a finger on it. I let my necklace drop back to my chest and sigh out in frustration. Sinking deeper into the tub, I blew water bubbles on the surface while contemplating. This necklace was the only clue to who my real parents are, but I have no memories of them. It's reasonable to not have one since I was a baby, but still…

"I wish this unsolved mystery would be easier to crack." I mumble under the water, and lifted myself up and out of the tub. "But unsolved mystery are supposed to be well…unsolved."

I'll just have to deal with it. I thought as I dry myself and slip into my two layered kimono. I wore the white silk fabric underneath and the silk pink cherry blossoms kimono for the top layer and tied with a pink and green obi around my waist. I scowl as I look at my outfit in the mirror before returning to my room for my caretaker to style my hair.

I glared at my reflection in the mirror that was place in my room as my caretaker did as they please with my short black hair. My emerald eyes harden as my reflection slowly turn into a complete stranger. This wasn't me. I never wanted to be a princess, but for my parent's sake, I'll give in just this once for them. It's at least something I could do for them in return for giving me a wonderful life.

I dismiss everyone when everything was finish and I headed out of my room to meet Sutemaru for my first lesson. Sutemaru is from the Keikain house, who is not only an Onmyoji but also my music and dance teacher. I meet Sutemaru at the veranda and bow to him in respect out of force habit knowing he is two years older than me. Sutemaru stiffly bow back and begins my lesson and his teaching.

Today was dancing to the Shamisen as I took two fans out of my kimono and flips it open and elegantly wave it in small flutters. With my signal to begin, Sutemaru strum the three string guitar like instrument with his plectrum pinched between his other hand. When the sound of music reach the air, my feet move along with the strings. Each strum, my fingers curve and move to make my fan glide through the wind. Slicing the air between my fingers as I threw the fan in the air, twirling in a full circle before catching the fan back in my hand without missing a beat.

"You've been practicing." Sutemaru commented as he continues to strum away. The corner of my lips curved upward as I glided towards him.

"It was all thanks to this morning." I said nonchalantly, while dancing in front of Sutemaru. His exasperated eyes follow me and he shakes his head in disbelief.

"You're impossible."

"I know." I chide in delight and finish off with a graceful bow.

"I pity those princes who's going to meet you and feel disappointed." Sutemaru teased.

I glared at him and retort back, "Please don't remind me of that. These lessons are enough to torture me. Now I have to also deal with marriage candidates? I'm too young to think about getting a husband."

"Your becoming of age have long pass when you had turn fifteen dear Princess." Sutemaru said in amusement, and I smack him across the head with one of my fan. Sutemaru rubbed his head as he protest, "Hey, hey! I was just joking."

"Well I wasn't amused." I huffed out and sat next to him with a pout forming on my lips. Sutemaru chuckles and poke his index finger on my puffy cheeks.

"Don't pout, its un-ladylike."

"Un-ladylike my butt." I mutter, but I continue to pout. "If I really want a husband, then I want someone to love me for me and not because of my looks and family heirloom."

"But I do."

I look over at Sutemaru with a confuse expression as he stare back at me with a gentle smile. Sutemaru place one of his hands on mine and I look down at our touching hands in an even more confused expression. I slowly look back up to meet Sutemaru's slightly flushed face.

"Kaguya I-"

"Kaguya-hime." One of the caretaker cuts Sutemaru's words and we both look behind us. Sutemaru quickly takes his hands away and I abruptly stood up and turn my attention to my caretaker.

"What is it?" I ask in an even tone, although my head patter against my chest in surprise.

"It's time for you to meet with your suitors." The caretaker said as I stiffly nodded and followed her. I look back at Sutemaru at the corner of my eyes. Sutemaru avoided my gaze while looking the other way. The last thing I saw was his hands curled up into tight fists.


The marriage meeting for my "husband-to-be" sat across from me with eyes full of fascination and awe as they stare at me like I was live meat. I look away from their leering eyes and cursed under my breath. My parents Okina and Ona introduce the five princes in front of me and I bow in respect when I was introduced. Without meaning to, the princes self-consciously bow back as if I hypnotize them to mimic my actions. I don't think these princes are bad people and I do have to admit that they are very attractive looking, but I wasn't ready for a husband. In fact, I wasn't ready to love.

One by one, the princes gave their reasons why they want to marry me and why they are worthy to be my husband. I half listen, knowing that half of what they were saying are lies. I can see in their eyes that they have no good intentions because my presence is distracting their good nature. I can't deny that I don't look half that bad myself, but it's a curse for me too look this attractive. It brings the bad intentions to good people like these princes.

My so called "curse" was the reason why I cut my hair short. When I was younger, I used to believe that if I cut my hair shorter, I would look less attractive so village children would play with me. Instead, it did the opposite effect. The boys started asking me out, which made the village girls jealous and I felt so conflicted on what to do. I felt so lonely and confused. That was when I met Sutemaru. Sutemaru was the only one of the group who accepted me for me and not because I look pretty. He instantly became my best friend and protector whenever the boys tries to hit on me. I felt really safe by Sutemaru's side.

But now that we've grown up, everything's changing. I thought with sadden eyes as I remember back a few minutes ago that had occur by the veranda.

"Princess Kaguya." I lifted my head up to meet one of the princes' eyes when they called my name. I watch as the princes fought with one another and my eyes darken at their actions. Everyone is the same. Their turning into something they're not and bitterness is biting into their soul just even looking at me. I hate this. I don't want this. But….

"Alright, I made my decision." I said and they all look up in surprise. I meet their eyes and said, "I'll agree to marry someone if you can meet my expectation and bring certain items I request."

The princes all nodded and intently listen in to my challenge. One by one I told each princes to bring the most impossible things imaginable. I told the first prince to bring me The Stone Begging Bow of the Buddha from Nepal. The second prince is to bring me a Jeweled branch from the Island of Horai. The third prince I ask for the legendary robe of the fire-rat of China. I ask the fourth prince to bring me a colored jewel from a dragon's neck. Lastly, I told the final prince to bring me The Cowrie which was born from swallows.

Seeming satisfied with my request, the princes quickly excuse themselves and left the palace in a haste. Okina and Ona stare at me in shock at my impossible challenge and wonders if anyone could bring back what I asked for. Otherwise, I will have a likely chance of not getting married. Before my parents could interject, I quickly excused myself and left to attend to my other lessons.

Hours later of ink wash painting, tea ceremonies, and historical lectures I retire for the evening as I slump onto my futon in exhaustion. Not minutes later, a knock was heard and someone excuse themselves as they open the door to my room.

"Kaguya-hime, your father have ask if you wish to join them for supper." My caretaker ask with her head bowed.

"Tell him that I am honored to join but I am too exhausted to even eat." I said, with my voice half muffled through the sheets but my caretaker seems to have understood.

"Very well, then I will bring your dinner to your room." She said before excusing herself. I quietly listen to her footsteps fading in the distance and rolled myself over to stare up at the ceiling in silence. Five minutes later my caretaker came back and left my food in front of my room without opening the door and excused herself. I thank her before she's out of ear shot, but did not went to retrieve my dinner.

My body ache from exhaustion as I watch the orange ceiling dim as the night approach. My eyes slowly closes from fatigue and I was overcome with sleep. It only felt like a few minutes pass by when my eyes flutter open in surprise and I quickly sat up. My room was terribly dark and I had to wait for my eyes to readjust to see little to no image of where my door is. I crawl to my door and feel for the frame as I quietly slide the door open. I peek outside and see that the crescent moon shines brightly down from above. It must be really late at night because I see no one walking down the hallways.

"Now's my chance." I whisper to myself as I quickly went back to my room and started changing into a more comfortable kimono. I bought this white kimono down at the village for a really great price and I prefer this style of clothing than the ones that is given to me by my parents. Silk kimonos are way too heavy to move around and I can't run in them when I need to. While I dress in my white kimono, I rummage through my closet to find my black cloak and tied it around my neck and grab my small pouch of gold coins and tie it around my waste. Digging deeper into my closet, I found my father's sword that I "borrowed" and place it on the other side of my hip.

"All set." I said with a little excitement in my tone. I stood up, covered my face with the hood of my cloak and quietly peek out of my room once more. Seeing the coast was clear, I sneak out of the palace and headed straight through town.

It's been a habit of mine to sneak out whenever I could, especially at night. There's more things to do at night at my town. I never venture out of Yokohama before, and I yearn to travel pass my town and head to Tokyo. But if I do, I might not make it back before sunrise and then my caretaker and parents will find out. I won't hear the end of it and will probably won't be let out anymore.

My parents are too overprotective. I mean really, I can take care of myself. I thought as I sigh and then laughs out in amusement. They're great parents though, I had to remind myself constantly. Sutemaru is the same. He's always worried about me especially when I told him about my nightly excursion, and Sutemaru wasn't very pleased. I remember him telling, or rather, scolded me that I shouldn't wander off too far or I might end up being attack by yokais. I head Sutemaru's warning knowing I can protect myself.

I wasn't dumb enough to wander around in the dark unprotected. I thought to myself as I look back up and stop in my tacks. All around me was trees. Surrounded by the thickets of the woods and I cursed under my breath for being sidetracked. I look back at the direction I once came and see Yokohama only a half a mile away and so I started to retrace my steps back into town.

Not a minute pass as I turn myself around, I hear the rustling of leaves in the bushes all around me. My footing stops as I freeze on the spot and I feel the waves of an ominous aura that are shrouding around me. Panic rises within me, but I didn't show it on my face as I look around when slowly the dark figures emerge from the shadows. The cloudy sky covered most of the moonlight but I can still see the different sizes and shapes of all kinds of demons. Quickly they crowded around with an amuse grin on their faces as they encircle around me.

My hands instinctively reach for the hilt of my sword but then I drop my hands to my sides. A fascinated look filled my eyes as I hid my face underneath my hood. Without knowing, I look down to hide an amuse grin in the shadows of my hood as the yokais stood only a few feet from me.

"Well what do we have here?" One of the bigger yokai ask his friends. I look up to meet his pupil-less eyes and blond spikey hair.

"Let's play with the human a bit." Another one suggested and without notice, someone from behind slash my cloak to pieces and causes my now shredded cloak to fall from my face.

An expression of innocence grew on my face as I watch their look of amusement turn surprise. Their demonic eyes training on my human features as the moon slowly peaks out from the cloudy sky. The wind picked up as it scatter the locks of my hair when the tips of my roots started to turn. Black raven hair gracefully painting across each strands into silver as the moonlight. Emerald eyes glowing with a hinted yellow as the true power of no ordinary human can contain. Pale lips turns as light as the cheery blossoms' petals, my lips curved up into a smile. I suddenly remember the conversation I had with my father.

"Your hair is as beautiful as always."

"Really? I find it rather strange."

"You want to play?" I ask in amusement as I stare at the agape face yokais. "Then let's play."


Notes:

1.)Hanafuda Koi Koi- a Japanese strategic card game. If you ever watch the anime movie "Summer Wars," then that's the game they played.

2.)Shamisen- is a three string instrument. It looks like a guitar or a banjo.

So how do you like the story so far? ^0^ I made Kaguya's personality a bit sassy, rebellious, and at time serious. I don't want my OC's personality to be the same, that would be boring...

Anyways, favorites, follows, and reviews are much appreciated!